AC Milan coach Leonardo has insisted that colourful club president Silvio Berlusconi is not an embarrassment.

In a press conference ahead of this weekend's match at Livorno, Leonardo talked about his relationship with Berlusconi - who fills countless column inches in the Italian press due to his high-profile position as both AC Milan club president and Italian prime minister.

Speaking to Milan Channel the Brazilian said, "Berlusconi is a character, but he's never embarrassed me. His declarations in the papers only come after he's talked to me. It's very stimulating to confront myself with him, he knows the way I feel about it.

"The pacts are clear with the president, and even though I appreciate his participation, I'm the one who stays with the team seven days a week."

Leonardo also fielded questions about his managerial capabilities following the criticism he received after his side were humbled 4-0 by arch-rivals Inter in the Milan derby.

"I'm inexperienced? It's the truth," he said.

"It's the most obvious thing you can say about me. But I only arrived this year and I know I have to grow a lot. It's as if you said to [Gennaro] Gattuso that he's a warrior and that Kaka is top class..."