Red Star boss Dejan Stankovic has revealed his belief that Milan are a top 10 side in Europe at the moment ahead of tomorrow’s game.
Milan will be looking to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League for the first time in three years when they face Red Star in the second leg on Thursday, and you can read our match preview here.
Stankovic stopped to speak to Sky Italia ahead of tomorrow’s game at San Siro – a ground he is familiar with given his past at Inter – and his comments were transcribed by MilanNews.
“Excited? Yes, it’s beautiful. If someone told me a year ago to come here to San Siro to play, it’s a dream come true. We were rewarded for our courage, we played against a great Milan, who are fighting for the Scudetto in Italy,” he said.
“I am proud of my boys. We were tough even in 10 and we came here to Milan with a little hope and as long as there is hope we are at stake. I include Milan in the top 10 European teams at this time.”
The Rossoneri will be looking to put a difficult patch of recent form behind them – one which has seen them lose their last two Serie A games without scoring – and capitalise on having scored two away goals in Belgrade.
The Serbian coach also spoke to il Corriere dello Sport, and his comments were transcribed by MilanLive.
“They are strong and want to redeem themselves, plus they have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a champion who has won in Italy and in Europe, especially because they haven’t won in three games,” he said
On the first leg: “We have shown that we never give up, the first leg made us understand that everything is possible and we will play it. Until the referee whistles the end we are in the game and we will try with all our strength.”
