Ahead of tonight’s clash between AC Milan and Roma, the Rossoneri’s director Paolo Maldini answered some questions from the media. Among other things, he discussed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jose Mourinho and Stefano Pioli.
Milan have had a great start to this season, with 28 points after 10 games, and it could get even better for them tonight. However, it won’t be an easy game for them and maximum focus will be needed to get a good result.
Speaking to DAZN, as cited by MilanNews, Maldini spoke about the importance of Ibrahimovic, Pioli and the team’s mentality. He also commented on the kind words of Mourinho, who praised the club’s structure during his presser.
“We all talked about how important Ibra was and is, not only on the pitch. Pioli is the key man of our sporting rebirth, it’s obvious.”
On the words of Mourinho…
“I’m pleased. We always want to win when we are opponents, but there is great respect. He is a media phenomenon and what he has done in his career will remain in the history of football.”
On the Rossoneri squad…
“We all made quite risky decisions, looking for players who had shown talent but had not yet developed it, such as Theo Hernandez and Brahim Diaz; Tonali’s redemption passed through many discussions, but we knew it was just a matter of time. It was a rather risky construction of the squad, but we feel stronger and more complete than last year. We have many guys born in 1999 and 2000, but every year things change and, as you grow, so does the strength you have inside.”
On the Milan mentality…
“The mentality was very important. Despite the injuries, our spirit made us have unexpected results. To get to the Milan of the past you need the history, which Milan has, and a general idea of an attacking football with a young team; perhaps the path could be a little faster than expected, but everything passes from transmitting the mentality of Milan of the past.”
On the Scudetto…
“We play for it with everyone. Napoli are very strong, even Roma. Even the small teams have taken away points from the big ones; in the league, you need continuity, even if you can’t think of winning all the games and a misstep will arrive.”
It remains to be seen if Milan will come away with all three points, but they have very good chances of doing so. Indeed, it would be a nice confidence boost ahead of the deciding UCL clash against Porto on Wednesday evening.
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