Seedorf awaits 'stronger Milan'

Clarence Seedorf was disappointed with AC Milan's shock 1-0 defeat by AEK Athens FC in the Greek capital but remained in positive mood after Milan secured their place in the knockout stage thanks to LOSC Lille Métropole's 2-2 draw with RSC Anderlecht.

'The main thing'
"Of course it was disappointing to lose tonight but the main thing is that we have made it through to the next stage," said the three-time UEFA Champions League winner, who does not believe the defeat will affect team morale. "We were unlucky because we created a lot of chances and it just wasn't our night. We are playing good football and if we continue to do so then the results will come."

No blame
Filippo Inzaghi missed a string of first-half chances as he was thwarted by AEK goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino, but when asked if the striker had incurred the wrath of the Milan dressing room at half-time for his profligacy, Seedorf was dismissive. "There was nothing like that," he told uefa.com. "Filippo is a big player for us and he scores lots of goals. He was unlucky tonight because he came up against a good goalkeeper in form. If we don't win a match it's not down to just one player."

Unlucky breaks
Milan were missing midfield enforcer Gennaro Gattuso through injury and Seedorf believes that when he and other key members of the squad such as Kakha Kaladze, Serginho and Giuseppe Favalli are fit again Milan will show their true strength. "We have not had the best of luck with injuries so far this season and when we have everyone back I think we'll see a stronger Milan," he said. "Our target is the UEFA Champions League and we have made it to the knockout stage. It's important to take it step by step and hopefully we can begin to improve in Serie A too."