AC Milan’s honorary vice president Franco Baresi believes that the team have what it takes to get out of the current rut, with the help of the returning Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Milan have had a dreadful start to 2023 as they are currently seven games without a win in all competitions and they have lost their last four games including two against their city rivals Inter.
That has seen three objectives for the season vanish as the Scudetto race already seems to have been won by Napoli, the Supercoppa Italiana ended in defeat and the Rossoneri were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by 10-man Torino.
Baresi gave an interview to Quotidiano Sportivo this morning during which he spoke about the difficult moment that the team are going through and what they must do in order to recover, with his words relayed by SempreMilan.it.
On why Milan collapsed in the last month: “No one forgets what Milan did last year, winning the Scudetto. But when you win, the responsibilities increase and you have to give something more, everyone takes steps to beat you.”
On what the team must do to recover: “We are all surprised by the 18 points that separate us from first place. Now we have to be good at not letting ourselves be destabilised by criticism, united towards a single goal, because we represent a club and a glorious shirt. The first thought must be the team: to remind us why and how we won.”
On having all the credentials to recover: “The players’ qualities are there, no one has forgotten the good things they showed last year. In the end, it’s always the pitch and the work that pay off: success is the sum of many daily sacrifices. When things go wrong, you have to show your willingness. In the squad there are players with important experiences and young people who are aware of playing for Milan.”
On the Rossoneri players back exhausted from the World Cup in Qatar: “We weren’t used to having this break. Preparation has changed so we suffered.”
On the many injured players in Pioli’s Milan lineup: “We know that this isn’t the real Milan, it’s conditioned by one too many injuries. We’ll get out of it by staying united.”
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s imminent return: “We know who Zlatan is, where he’s been and won. He came back and made a great contribution last season. The years go by for everyone, I don’t know what he’ll be able to give but he’s a figure who transmits security and personality.”
On the upcoming matches against Torino and Tottenham: “Last year the fans saw a team that moved them: they fell in love with this. Now there’s the Champions League, we’re in the round of 16, it’s a great opportunity. There will be a incredible atmosphere and Milan are able to battle all the way with Tottenham.”
On the new stadium in Milan: “San Siro has been my home for 20 years, but we need to look ahead. Owned or in any case more modern stadiums are important because they bring many advantages, gains and revenues. In the rest of Europe they are ahead.”
On his creed for Milan to return to being the dominant team: “Those who love Milan understand the moment of difficulty. You must never be afraid. You need mental strength, determination, courage and personality.”
I think we need someone to invest in that team