AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez believes that Mike Maignan’s late save on Harry Kane was the game-changing moment as a spot in the quarter-finals was secured with a 1-0 aggregate win over Spurs.
Milan are through to the final eight of Europe’s top club competition for the first time since the 2011-12 season – when they also defeated a north London side in Arsenal – after a goalless draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.
Theo Hernandez spoke to Milan TV after the game to try and dissect what was a dramatic night despite the goalless scoreline, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“We played a very good match. Tottenham are a difficult team to face, but I think we played well. The important thing is that we have reached the quarter-finals. The Champions League is easier to face if you always stay focused. Mike on Kane changed the game. We want to thank the fans,” he said.
“We know it’s good to play in the Champions League, now we have to work well and see who we’ll face in the quarterfinals to move forward. We want to get to the top. In Serie A we have to play like in Europe, I think we play differently. The important thing is that we have passed the test.”
The main threat for Milan across both legs came down the left hand side as the French wing-back and Rafael Leao showed their chemistry on multiple occasions, and Theo knows that they are capable of being a fearsome duo.
“Rafa is an incredible player. The coach told us to play freely and that’s what we’re doing. We play very well together and I’m happy to do it. When you play like this, you enjoy yourself. We played a great game, thanks to this we’re here.”
at some point Theo got sick of Leao not pressing up high and started doing it himself.. At least it looked that way to me..
Wiht such a lazy attitude he is never gonna become a top player. #sellLeao
Leao is already a top player. He’s one of the best in the world in his position. We only have 3 World Class players – Maignan, Theo and Leao. Given the deficiencies in attack, it’s a miracle what we’ve achieved.
meh. one of the best and hasnt scored a goal in 2 months…
he’s good, but hardly top 10 in lw position.
Rasford, Mane, Vinicius, kvara, that dude from arsenal, Gaymar, those are just from the top of my deah.. better than Leao
Only thing better with the mentioned is their decision making and finishing, which rafa can def improve on
“Only thing better with the mentioned is their decision making and finishing, which rafa can def improve on”
And consistency. And defending. And pressing. And headers.
he can but he wont, because he is lazy
“he can but he wont, because he is lazy”
Aaaaand there’s that too. =)
I’m with Turtle, Mike and BB. Cash in already. I also constantly see him use his “top” dribbling skills to lose possession at the point where he needs to make a pass or take a shot. He also often takes a shot when he should take a touch to control the ball before taking the shot. This type of sh!t should already have been coached out of him. Let’s see what Chaka can do and spend the Leao money + “usual” transfer funds on ST, RW and CDM.
Leao did very little last night. No excuse for not showing more determination when you are such an important player in such an important game. Mike and Theo showed what it means to be a big player.
Time he signs the contract and focuses on football.
LEAO can get better but unfortunately he’s lazy. I thought CR7 was his idol cos that legend is all about hardwork.