AC Milan club technical area director, Paolo Maldini, has spoken to the microphones of SportMediaset ahead of the derby kick-off in Coppa Italia. He started off by talking about the Russia-Ukraine confict and on the Rossoneri's initiative for peace:
"They are symbolic events but they have enormous meaning for us. Having a war in Europe in 2022 is something no one could expect, it's terrible. We must show closeness to the Ukrainian people with these symbolic gestures, but which have meaning for us."
What did you tell the players?
"I don't talk as frequently as the coach. I can understand that when we get closer to a match like this there is tension, then it's up to the coach to soothe the spirits."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic saying he wants to win a trophy with Milan:
"He is a winner, and it is right that he says that. Maybe we can win this year and it doesn't mean that he can't have a future with us anyway. He is thinking about being available again, then we'll see."
On the league standings:
"We did not win the last two games which on paper, could have been easier. Our roster is still super, we aim to do better next year. We are not perfect, we have defects as well as others. There is no dominating team for the championship race."
Paolo Maldini on what to improve:
"I think we are competitive in many departments. Right now we have two highly experienced players out, we are probably suffering. The experience of certain players is essential to prepare certain games. We have to improve everything to compete at high levels."
On FC Barcelona's reported interest in Franck Kessié:
"That is normal. His contract is expiring and we have no agreement with him yet. The line is the one dictated by the club, we absolutely do not deviate from it."
