Clarence Seedorf: 'We must respect Atletico Madrid'

AC Milan manager Clarence Seedorf has said that his team are confident ahead of their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid.

The Dutchman admits that the Spanish side will represent strong opposition, but insists that his players will try to exploit their weaknesses as they look for a positive result in the first leg at the San Siro.

"The team comes into this challenge well, against an opponent that is very well," Seedorf told the club's official website. "There are further motivations, it is the Champions League, they are strong, in addition to it being a special evening at San Siro. But there will be so many opportunities in front of us to collect something.

"Atletico have to be respected greatly, they are a strong team, but they also have their weaknesses, which we will try to exploit. We will try to give our best, looking for the best result.

"The quality and the understanding will increase over time. The attitude has been the right one, except in the evening with Napoli (a 3-1 defeat). We must try to continue on our way, improving in all aspects. With great humility, the boys are trying to improve."

Milan have won the Champions League seven times in their history.