Clarence Seedorf expects "gradual" AC Milan progress

AC Milan head coach Clarence Seedorf has admitted that he will not be able to transform the Serie A giants overnight, but has a plan in place to achieve "gradual" progress.

Seedorf said that his side's home clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League will be an important game for Milan to prove that they have the spirit required to get back into the Serie A European places.

"Our growth is gradual," he told the club's official website. "I'm happy with our week's work. The added value of this side is the team spirit and the bond between the different components that make up the team.

"We're going through a difficult time and these are the kind of matches to use the enthusiasm that we have to make things better and strengthen the group. My players will give me the responses that I expect."

Milan are currently ninth in the Serie A table.