Mike Maignan has backed Rafael Leao to return to his best form, while insisting that the AC Milan squad needed time to adapt to the new coach.
It has not been the best of starts under Paulo Fonseca as Milan are currently quite far off the pace in Serie A and have already lost five games across all competitions, including twice in the Champions League.
Issues such as the Rafael Leao saga are dominating the headlines rather than positive performances. However, the game against the current European champions provides a chance to prove doubters wrong and generate some positive press.
Maignan spoke to Sky on the eve of the game just before the press conference pitchside at the Santiago Bernabeu, and his comments have been relayed by MilanNews.
Valencia has been affected by terrible floods…
“We all have a thought for the victims, because dealing with situations like this is always difficult. So they have all our support.”
What are your thoughts on the new project?
“We have a new project, with a new coach, so we need time to adapt to his ideas, what he wants. We also have a team with new players, who have to adapt to the system that the coach wants to put in place. Of course I believe in it. We have to be patient, have patience. Little by little, good things will come.”
Rafael Leao seems to be going through a tough moment…
“He’s fine, he’s working every day with his smile, which he’s never lost. He’s doing things that maybe he doesn’t see because today football is only seen with assists and goals, but he’s helping the team a lot defensively.
“He’s working and tomorrow [today] he’ll play as the coach said, and these are his nights. We have faith in Rafa, even when he doesn’t score goals or assists. The important thing is that he stays the way he is, with a smile and that he wants to work.”
Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, the game of dreams?
“To get a result tomorrow we have to be ourselves, more focused and play our football that we have been playing since the beginning of the season. What we try to do on the pitch is play as a team, strong up front and back.
“No fear. Tomorrow [today] will be a difficult match for both teams, because we go on the pitch to win, they as well as us. It’s a challenge and we have to fight.”
