Today, Ignazio Abate's Primavera team has a big game in the UEFA Youth League. The young AC Milan players have, for the first time in their history, qualified for the semi-final of the Youth League, which will be played in Switzerland. Today at 6 pm (Italy time) in Geneva, the Rossoneri boys will face the Croatian team Hajduk Split in the tournament semifinals. These were the words of coach Abate in an interview with Milan TV.
On the last league game against Torino:
"The victory in the league gave us great a moral boost, especially for how it came: after an excellent performance, winning in the 95th minute. I hope it gave us a bit of enthusiasm."
On the semifinal:
"It's a game that prepares itself. It's a European semifinal that we've never reached before, and it's a great opportunity for all of us. I'm sure the boys will play a great game, hoping to reach a dream."
Abate, how do you need to approach such games?
"Once you go out for warm-up, I think you completely release the adrenaline and play without thoughts, free in your head. Instead, from the outside, as a coach, you suffer more: you would like to have more impact, but you can't, but it's right that the protagonists are the boys. It's their moment and they have to put their qualities and skills on the field. I hope they enjoy this moment and this event, which is a source of pride for them, without forgetting that there's an important objective to achieve."
On the type of game, Abate said:
"We will have to suffer like in all games, but certainly we must face it with great awareness, with great respect for the opponents, with great humility. I'm sure the boys will be ready and will put on the field a big heart that they have already demonstrated on various occasions."
On the many Croatian fans:
"It will be very exciting for the boys. I'm convinced that they will charge them up: a beautiful audience. An event so beautiful and unique for them that they will certainly experience it in the right way. They will arrive full of energy. We must arrive focused and put our qualities on the field to win the game: this is our objective."
