AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has urged the team to follow the vision set by new owner Gerry Cardinale and to be as ambitious as possible.
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Milan sealed their passage into the knockout stages of the Champions League in convincing fashion with a commanding 4-0 victory against Red Bull Salzburg at San Siro. Olivier Giroud was the hero as he netted a brace and also set up both Rade Krunic and Junior Messias to register four goal contributions in the rout.
Maldini spoke to Milan TV after the game to convey his emotions after a special night at a sold out San Siro, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
There was a scent of the great Milan sides tonight: “We are super happy, it was a target for the club, the team and the coach. We are absolutely happy about how it came, and the response we gave. Now we will have to enjoy getting into the round of 16 and be ready to do something even better.”
It is another step forward after those of the last few years: “These were the things we had planned, but between planning and executing, not everything always succeeds. When we started in 2019 we achieved all the objectives, the biggest one was to create with San Siro a strong bond. I think it’s a pleasure to come to San Siro to see this team.”
The values of Milan are strong: “The values are given to you by the club, the history, the players, the presidents and the managers that we have had. A passing on of things that not only concern football but also life, which is more important than a match of football.”
This team feels ambitious: “What we ask of our players, who are strong, is to become aware of their strength and to be ambitious, because this is an ambitious club. We have a growth that wants to complete, where this team will arrive will also depend on how the whole Milan galaxy will develop.”
What are the season targets now? “Cardinale already listed them, that is, to be ambitious, to try to compete with the best. The growth process is not only linked to the team but the whole Milan environment must be able to reach that level. From the second round of the Champions League onwards, the rankings are made almost automatically with the balance sheets. AC Milan still have a history even when these revenues are not at the level of the others.”
