Ancelotti: It’s always special against Milan

Despite being surrounded by the imposing skyscraper-rich skyline in downtown Chicago, Carlo Ancelotti found time for a spot of old-fashioned nostalgia on Tuesday morning, when the FCB coach sat down in the lobby of the team hotel for a chat with a former love, namely familiar faces linked with AC Milan. “Milan is a special club for me,” said the 57-year-old, making no secret of the fact that part of his heart will always be dedicated to the Rossoneri, the club where he achieved everything there is to achieve both as player and coach. The famous north Italians also provide FC Bayern’s opposition in a friendly on Wednesday evening (20:30 local time / Thursday, 03:30 CEST) in Chicago.

“Playing Milan is always special for me personally. Milan was my home for many years. I have very fond memories,” Ancelotti stated prior to FCB’s final training session at Soldier Field on Tuesday afternoon. The men from Milan also trained at the stadium a little later, handing Ancelotti another chance to catch up on the latest news from club officials.

Badstuber set for comeback

Ancelotti won the European Cup and Intercontinental Cup twice each as an AC Milan player, before leading the Italians to two Champions League triumphs and the FIFA Club World Cup title. Inevitably, his honours collection includes a host of domestic successes. After a 13-year association with the Rossoneri, it is little wonder that the midweek friendly is more than just another game for the illustrious supremo.

That may very well also be the case for Holger Badstuber, as the centre-back is poised for a comeback from a five-month injury lay-off. “I reckon he can start out on his comeback tomorrow and manage 30 or 40 minutes,” Ancelotti announced. “He’s been through such a long period of suffering,” agreed Philipp Lahm, “but now he’s been back with us since the start of preseason. I’ll be delighted when he’s back on the field alongside me at some point.”