Technical director Paolo Maldini has insisted that AC Milan’s spirit is the basis of the recent results, and that talks are ongoing over renewals.
The Rossoneri go into the game against Celtic knowing that they are 90 minutes away from either having their qualification for the knockout stages secured or will face a dicey final round decided.
A win over Celtic and victory for Lille against Sparta Praha would mean that the Rossoneri qualify from the group stages with a game to go ahead of next week’s trip to the Czech Republic.
Maldini spoke to Sky Italia before the game against Celtic, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
On the Europa League: “It is our goal. Going through tonight would mean having a match where the result doesn’t count and in such an intense season it wouldn’t be bad.
“We are growing. Maybe in Europe we find some more difficulties, especially on a physical level.”
Maldini was also asked about news regarding the renewal situations he is currently tackling, including Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu who will see their current contracts expire in seven months as things stand.
“No news. Meetings will be set, but there is no rush. Contacts are continuous, you just need to find the right time to close.”
Milan’s start to the season has been exceptional in the league with seven wins from nine games and 23 points on the board, to the extent some fans are beginning to think the Scudetto is a realistic target.
We made our own predictions earlier today, but the former club captain provided his assessments too.
“I saw positive things last year too. An important basis was being created. Of course, Ibra also pushes you to reach results that seem impossible. Sacchi didn’t just care about winning, but always doing something more than opponent. Thinking you can achieve an almost impossible result makes you 100% return.
“I don’t know the other teams, but they can confirm that our spirit is the basis of our results. If the players change and the same results arrive, the credited goes to the management of the coach and also to the spirit that exists in the team.”
