AC Milan defender Alessandro Florenzi has said that the Rossoneri players know what mistakes they made against Monza in the Serie A defeat on Sunday but remains optimistic for the season.
The bookmakers will no doubt have Milan down as very heavy favourites to progress into the last 16 of the competition after they despatched of Rennes quite convincingly at San Siro in the end.
The Ligue 1 side arrived in excellent form domestically but in truth the contest was over after less than an hour as a Ruben Loftus-Cheek brace and a stunning goal from Rafael Leao put the Rossoneri firmly in command of the tie.
However, the Rouge et Noir rotated against Clermont Foot at the weekend and won easily while Milan did the same and got four goals put past them as they lost to Monza, so it’s far from job done and an early goal for the hosts tomorrow could swing things.
Florenzi spoke alongside head coach Stefano Pioli at the pre-match press conference on the eve of the game against Rennes, with his comments relayed by Milan News and translated below.
How were your teammates after the Monza defeat?
“We try to turn the page every game, because every match is a story in itself in victory, defeat or a draw. We know the mistakes we made and we are determined to play well in tomorrow’s game.”
You are among the most experienced, did you say anything in the locker room, especially to the youngsters?
“No. We are determined for tomorrow. We know what we want and what we have to do on the pitch. We are well. Apart from Monza we come from very good results. We’re on the right track to do well in Europe. Tomorrow’s match is important and it’s not over.”
How hard are you working and can this year’s consistency bring you back to the national team?
“I know what my strengths and weaknesses are and I have always tried to improve. This year’s continuity comes from the daily work that has helped me to stay fit. I must try to continue like this first of all for Milan, then if the call-up comes I’ll be happy.”
What’s a nice memory in the Europa League, maybe a goal of yours?
“If I remember correctly I also scored a goal, against Austria Vienna. The best anecdote may be the one to be written this year. It’s a desire and ambition I have, I’d like to be able to do it with Milan.”
Yes we know the mistake that was made – it was called “Thiaw” and was seeing everything in slow motion.