Andriy Shevchenko has urged AC Milan to believe in the possibility of a comeback in the derby, insisting that one goal would change everything.
Milan know that they have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the final of the Champions League as they were beaten 2-0 in the first leg by Inter on Wednesday night, having been rocked by a rapid start from Simone Inzaghi’s men who scored twice inside 11 minutes.
Shevchenko was actually present at the first leg working as a pundit and he was shown having a warm embrace with Paolo Maldini prior to the game, but it was the blue half of the city who were left celebrating.
The Ukrainian striker has given an interview on Milan TV’s ‘L’inferno del Monday’ segment with Mauro Suma, Luca Serafini and Mario Ielpo, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
On the contribution given by the Milan Foundation: “The AC Milan Foundation has made a big contribution in Ukraine. I want to thank all the AC Milan fans and the club for doing this.”
On Leao: “One goal isn’t enough, I hope Leao can make us recover, he’s a very important player for Milan. We also need to score the third but the most important thing is not to concede a goal.”
On what will be key to win against Inter: “I would leverage team spirit. However, we must remember that Milan had a great season last season and became Italian champions. You can make mistakes but you need to go in with the right attitude. The return is always a great possibility to reassemble the result.”
On his attachment with Milan: “Milan is a big family for me. I think this is the right word for this team. The history that Milan has written should help the players for the semi-final against Inter and have motivation and the right attitude.
“You also have to believe in the coach, you have to respect his plan and try to do the right things on the pitch. I liked Milan a lot this year because the team has always fought together.
“The first half against Inter was a negative episode, in the second half there was a great reaction. This makes me think that Milan can turn everything around.”
On how to prepare for the match against Inter: “Courage must be interpreted in the right way. Leaving everything uncovered and chasing the game.
“The game lasts ninety minutes, it’s important to unlock it but there must be a game plan and the right interpretations to manage the moments. You don’t have to be in a hurry. Milan must show Inter that this match will be played in a different way, with the will to fight.”
On the tactic to use: “Tactically the match will be prepared by the coach, who will choose the right way to play. He knows the condition of the team. We know how Milan play.
“We have to wait for the right moment, this is my advice. When I was coaching the Ukrainian national team, I said that you have to wait the game plan. Matches can be unlocked at any minute.
“In my opinion, you have to be careful with set pieces. You can unlock matches from a corner kick or free-kick. These are components that help a lot. If Milan prepare some scheme to surprise Inter, it is always a help.”
On how to hurt opponents better: “Looking at the past and beautiful moments helps you. What helped me the most, however, was to repeat some plays in my head, prepare each situation beforehand, study the opponents better.”
On Tonali: “He has an immense heart, he’s a true leader on the pitch. We’re talking about a player who covers a lot of ground for you, and gives you quality. If he plays a great game, we’ll have fun. He can be a great help for Milan.”
On how to put pressure Inter: “The weak point should be timing. If Milan put pressure on, they’ll show they entered with the right attitude, they’ll put a lot of pressure on Inter.
“We need to understand what game Inter wants to play. If they want to wait, Milan will have more ball possession. At that point Inter will play a five-a-side and there will be more space in midfield.
“We will need to move the ball well and try to have an extra man in midfield. Inter are very dangerous on the counter-attack, we saw that at the first leg. Milan must not concede anything and get in behind. The individual duels will be too important to win.”
Finally, on the Milan fans: “The Milan fans are always in my heart. You have to believe in it and hope to give the team good energy. Forza Milan.”
Sheva the inter slayer