Ahead of the clash between AC Milan and Udinese, which will kick off shortly, Paolo Maldini spoke to the media about the Rossoneri’s situation. Currently at the top of the standings, they want to remain there.
Stefano Pioli’s men were knocked out of the Champions League earlier this week, losing to Liverpool at home. Although it was a bit of a disappointment for them, they will have the chance to focus solely on the league from here on.
Speaking to Sky Italia, as cited by MilanNews, Paolo Maldini shared his thoughts on tonight’s game but also the upcoming transfer window. He also spoke about the Rossoneri’s exit from the Champions League.
“Champions League? It was a disappointment. We have shown that to get to those levels we have to take one or two steps, Milan is also mentality. We know we are on the right path and if we had drew at home with Atletico we would have qualified, but in 6 games we have only won one,” he said.
“First of all it is mathematical that if you have high revenues, you have the possibility of having a very competitive squad. To get there you have to be creative and each team has its own stake. We have taken a sustainable path. Seven years without the Champions League, we are 48th in the UEFA Ranking and we have finished fourth: this is the result of the past, but we hope to continue.”
On the mentality: “Mentality means being able to manage the 3 weekly games, manage the pressure and the big matches. All these things are acquired over time and not everyone acquires them in the same way. It was a fantastic experience.”
On the gap between the league and the Champions League in the 90s: “For me it wasn’t there, the best league was the Italian one in the 90s. Regarding the English league, it is necessary to specify: Liverpool and City are one thing, from United downwards it is another. There are two clearly superior teams.”
On the January market: “Many things are said, but I can assure you that 10% of the things that are said are true. We are evaluating if there was the possibility of a player ready immediately or perhaps for next season, but it is not certain that he can be found. Beyond the African Cup of Nations, I consider ours a competitive team for the league and the Coppa Italia.”
Hopefully, Milan will come away with all three points tonight but it won’t be easy, especially considering that they have eight players out for the game. That’s why these final three games before Christmas are very important.
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Bakayoko needs to go. This match is so painful to watch. I have not seen worse this season. And without runners to open space and distract defenders, Brahim is useless.
You pointed in words what i was seeing but could not name.
Double pivot fails now. Kessie plays as 3rd cb 90% of the time, making him seem useless.
This leaves Tonali alone as playmaker, Brahim either going back deep to get the ball or running after balls from Zlatan, who rarely gets accurate long passes.
And both Krunic amd Saele are not wingers really.
The third CB tactic is to help Theo move forward but it’s not working as Krunic isn’t a winger that makes runs/movements to free up Theo.
I’m no longer surprised that Brahim’s downturn in form coincides with the absence of our good wingers. I mean what’s the use of a 10 when the game plan is to launch long balls to the striker from defence.
Admin, you need to open a live commentary page for Milan fans, where fans can comment on an ongoing match.
Diaz is not so useful and should be benched going forward.
Messias should play in the middle not right wing and should start.
Bakayoko should leave as soon as possible.
Theo is overrated and can’t play sh…t, I’ll rather we sold him off now.
Ibrahimovic is an angel.
Mr. Maldini, your decisions and these management decisions will take the team to a permanent loss. Your deals are a losing gamble. The best deal that happened is Ibrahimovic. You have to make good deals, I’m going to stop watching Milan this time because you’re going to drive us crazy