AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has revealed that the club are already working on the renewals of some players expiring in 2022.
The Rossoneri will be looking to follow up excellent performances in the last two games against Hellas Verona and Manchester United by beating Napoli and keeping up the pace needed for a top four finish.
Calabria, Romagnoli, Bennacer, Ibrahimovic and Mandzukic are absent for the game against Gennaro Gattuso’s side, but Ante Rebic, Theo Hernandez and Hakan Calhanoglu are back in the fold.
Maldini spoke to Sky Italia before the game against Napoli, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
“Our recent history must make us understand that Milan have many faces, they must always have the spirit that they have shown in 98% of the matches in 2020 and 2021. The spirit is never lacking, sometimes changing many interpreters also changes. quality and in the face of great opponents it is more difficult,” he said.
On the idea that even a draw would be a good result: “With a win you would get two results, you would keep fifth place at more or less ten points and you would not give up for the first place.”
On Ibrahimovic: “Zlatan participates in training sessions, meetings, his importance is on the pitch but also off.”
On Milan: “The club has worked in a certain way, the coach has aligned himself with the club, the players have shown their talent. You only have such continuity if everyone is on the same side.”
Yesterday, Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com) reported that Kessie’s value has skyrocketed after almost four good years at the club and above all the recent success. Should Milan decide to sell, his price tag would be €60-70m – with Real Madrid having begun talks with his agent – but the intention appears very much to keep him.
“We have already moved for him and for the others due in 2022, such as Calabria. We have not yet reached one of these objectives but we are working,” Maldini continued.
On Gattuso: “He is a coach in constant evolution, the luck of every coach is to open his mind.”
