AC Milan technical director, Paolo Maldini, has spoken to Mediaset microphones before the game of the Rossoneri against Chelsea at the San Siro. Here are his words:
"I expect what I always expect from Milan: a courageous team, always different performances at home from those away from home; let's forget the value of the opponents: they are World Champions in office, they spent more for their reserve left-back than we spent a year. Our performance will have to be different from the one we showed in London."
He added:
"Chelsea for Leao? The transfer market is at a standstill. It is true that we can talk, but there has been no post transfer approach. Now Rafa has to concentrate on this season and he is doing it great."
Maldini on how the game should be approached:
"It is important for our journey this year. We are far from AC Milan winning the Champions League, this is clear: it takes time and investments and a lot of things that we do not have at the moment. But we have desire, tradition and also strong and young players. We have to overcome a group that is much less demanding than last year; it has its difficulties, but it is less demanding."
Is this an opportunity to take a step forward?
"It's a three-year process. We started with zero experience in Europe and many things were new; Anfield's first impact was overwhelming, then we reacted. In Serie A we have always played well; with Napoli, for example. , we didn't deserve to lose, but in my opinion there is a difference compared to past years of mentality."
Maldini continued:
"Some things are unrepeatable. I hope this is not the case. Perhaps being protagonists for 25 years passes through a series of very profound things: we are doing it; and the stadium, unfortunately, is one of them: I say unfortunately because we are all fond of at San Siro, but we cannot live on memories alone and we must think about the future."
The Technical director also spoke to Sky Sport Italia:
"Leao renewal? We would like to do it before the World Cup. Indeed, we wanted to do it a year ago and six months ago. Then there must be the conditions to do it. The idea is to do it before the World Cup break. We'll see what happens."
On the first leg game vs Chelsea at Stamford Bridge:
"The 3-0 first leg hurts, but let's not forget that we faced the reigning world champion team and that they have enormous spending power compared to us. Then there is the field, this field it gives us great strength, our hope is that the result will be different. We want to go to the second round, we know we have to raise the level."
On Pioli:
"He is an absolute protagonist of these years, the idea is to continue for a long time. We will meet soon to plan a future that is absolutely not in question."
