Antonio Mirante believes that the most important thing from today’s friendly defeat against Liverpool was for the squad to get more minutes under their belt.
Milan were beaten 4-1 by the Premier League side who looked a bit more ready for a return to action given they will play Manchester City in the league cup before Christmas. Goals from Mo Salah, Thiago and Darwin Nunez rendered Alexis Saelemaekers’ first half equaliser a mere consolation by the end.
However, Mirante was still a hero in one way as he saved a couple of penalties in the shootout that follows every game in the Dubai Super Cup for a bonus point, and the Rossoneri ended up prevailing 4-0 in that shootout to salvage some pride.
Mirante was interviewed by Milan TV after the game against Liverpool, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
A thought on Mihajlovic, who passed away today: “Unfortunately I wasn’t lucky enough to have him [as a coach]. I also speak on behalf of my team-mates to offer my condolences to the family. It’s a big loss for football. He was one of those people loved by everyone who gave so much to football. A man of great reputation, it is a sad day.”
On the friendly against Liverpool: “It was an important test, above all because they played with so many starters, they are ahead of us in terms of condition, they will play on the 26th. We took advantage of the opportunity to add minutes in our legs, perhaps for lots of kids who haven’t played much up to now and lots of Primavera players. So it was certainly a test that we need to get ready on January 4th.”
On the penalties: “The penalties in this Dubai Cup are unique because even if the result is not a draw they are still played, but more than anything else I am interested in the game I played. It’s been a long time since I’ve played 90 minutes and that’s what drives me to work every day even at my age.”
