Pep Guardiola has spoken about AC Milan’s qualification for the Champions League semi-finals and how their elimination of Napoli proves that history weighs.
The Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri will be left to fight it out for a spot in the final in Istanbul after Milan beat Napoli 2-1 on aggregate and Simone Inzaghi’s side ended up winning 5-3 against Benfica over the two legs.
Meanwhile, Manchester City set up a semi-final clash with holders Real Madrid as they beat Bayern Munich 4-1 on aggregate. Erling Haaland’s goal last night ended the hopes of a miracle from the Bavarian side, though they did level it on the night.
Guardiola spoke after City’s game last night and he was asked about the other side of the draw, which will see the two Milan clubs face off in Europe for the first time in 18 years, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“When you play this competition as Napoli did, the way they played throughout the season, in a truly magnificent way, and you are so far ahead in league compared to Milan, people believe that in the Champions League it is the same thing,” he said.
“Playing against Milan who have so much history is like playing against Bayern Munich, I don’t know how many trophies they have in their cabinet. There were Sacchi, Capello, Maldini and Costacurta. This is the story that is part of this competition, that’s why these teams are so strong.”
It’s a tricky bait. Pep said playing against Milan in UCL is like against Bayern Munchen. In case they meet Milan in Final haha… But I hope the result will be different unlike Man City vs Munchen this season
@Ronin, exactly my thought! If he were to meet AC Milan in the final he’d do what he did against Bayern. If it’s HISTORY like he said, then Milan have the upper hand so we should win.❤️🖤
Man City are going to be exhausted. That’s our best hope, that and the pressure on them. Stylistically, they’re similar to Napoli. I’d say we have a better chance against them than Inter will.
We’re still talking about a side that can outspend us 5 to 1 every summer and not break a sweat. They are also used to fighting for titles and have a manager who has one them multiple times at league and cup level. Same with Madrid. They’re both scary opponents. I’d rather play Madrid as that would make the final one of Champions League royalty. Either way, we have to get past Inter first, so let’s focus on that.
Both ManCity and RealM are formidable opponents who are tough to defend. The only strategy should be all out attack or we have no chance. No defense will be strong enough for these clubs. Parking the bus won’t work.
I agree a game against Madrid or Man City should be approach with the idea to attack, but not an all out attack. An all out attack will bring the defensive line too upfront leaving it vulnerable to counter attacks by their fast forwards. Games like that are placed on the shoulders of the midfield players to dictate the balance. A pressing game is the best approach without too high of a line.
In that case formation 4-1-4-1 would nullify City midfield and attach. speed-wise, Milan has upper hands on flank of Diaz/Salsa- Theo/Leao. Rebic for 40 minutes to exhaust City defense. Thiaw to uphold Haaland. My worries lies in Calabria, hes so weak this season
Calabria weak?
Man where have you been for the last few weeks?
I think the we played against Napoli is a good example. A co twine Mr style of defense without pressing too high or dropping too deep. Not losing the ball in the middle of the park by trying to have too much possession. We can weather the periods of intense attack and then spring a counter. We will not win if we throw everyone up field as they can counter just as quickly as us. The team who is more patient and composed will win.
Containment style of defense ***
AC Milan vs Real Madrid would be the greatest UCL final of all time based on their history in Europe.. inter are happy to meet us in semifinals because they thought it would be easier like that of serie A games, but they will see hell in both games..I prefer we meet city in the final because we might have higher chance of winning against them if we can play on counter attacks..
But it would be nice to have ACM vs RMA final but first we need to crash out inter at all costs,I love Italian teams making their mark in Europe now.. hoping for the good of AC Milan….. Forza Milan
He’s right champions league is a different ball game and it lives with the clubs who have history and pedigree.
Most of the finals Madrid won were not with the best players but the history. Milan unlike Napoli is champions league club and the history of it is always there against any club without this history
He remembering how his childhood club barca was destroyed by milan side on UCL 1994. 4-0. After the game, he cried like a baby