Alexis Saelemaekers has insisted that AC Milan do not have an attitude problem when it comes to lesser-ranking sides, something they will have to prove against Torino tonight.
For Milan, there is the feeling of needing to bounce back after suffering just a second defeat of the campaign on Thursday night, losing 1-0 to Lazio in the Coppa Italia. The unbeaten league run stands at 12 games, and there is an opportunity to retake top spot tonight.
However, it will not be easy, because Torino are very much one of Milan’s bogey sides. In their last 12 trips to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino they have won only once, and that came when there were no fans in the 2020-21 Covid-affected season, a 7-0 victory for Stefano Pioli’s men.
Saelemaekers spoke to DAZN and Milan TV in the build-up to kick-off in Turin, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
Milan must prove they can win even against the lower sides in the table…
“Yes, exactly, that was a bit of a flaw for us. Now it’s up to us to prove it on the pitch, give it our all with the right mentality and fight for each other.”
Is it a matter of concentration against the smaller teams?
“I don’t think so, because we prepared every match to the max. Maybe we weren’t focused from start to finish, but today I think we need to stop talking and show it on the pitch.”
What was the reaction after the cup loss?
“We were very disappointed with the result; our goal was to do well in the Coppa Italia. We need to get back to work immediately and forget about that match, playing this one with a cool head: it won’t be easy.”
Do you also feel the record at this stadium?
“We need to go in right away with the right mentality, focused from start to finish. They’re always tough to play against here at home. We need to be strong physically and mentally. Hopefully, we can come away with the three points, which are very important.”
