Ancelotti content in PSG defeat

Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti was happy with his team despite a 1-0 loss to AC Milan at the Dubai Football Challenge.

A fourth-minute goal from Alexandre Pato was enough for the Serie A champions to secure victory in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

Ancelotti, in his first game at the helm of the Ligue 1 leaders, said he was content with their performance despite the defeat.

“We played a good game. The first half was good. Also, although we didn’t start well because we conceded a goal immediately, there was a good reaction, good play, good football and good combination up front,” the Italian said.

“I am happy about this. Of course, we have to improve, but we played against a strong team, and I think that our match was good.”

The 52-year-old said it was ‘strange’ to have his first game come against a former club, and when quizzed about why David Beckham would not join the French giants, affirmed it was the Englishman’s personal decision to stay in Los Angeles.

“We had the possibility to have Beckham, but Beckham decided to stay in Los Angeles because his family requested him. It’s not our business,” Ancelotti said.

“We asked him if he wanted to play. He decided to play. I and the club maintain a very good relationship with him and we wish him good luck for the future.”

Meanwhile, AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri was happy with the efforts of his attacking trio – Pato, Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“It’s been a long time since Robinho, Alexandre Pato and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have played together, but I thought Pato made some good moves tonight,” Allegri said.

“In general there were some technical mistakes, but I think it was a good performance from the three of them.”

PSG resume their domestic season against Toulouse on January 14, while AC Milan take on Atalanta on Sunday.