Alexis Saelemaekers, Milan winger, spoke in the post-match press conference after the Rossoneri’s Serie A opener against Cremonese, which ended in the visitors' victory at San Siro with a 1-2 result.
The worst possible debut?
"I think we lowered our level of focus too much. We knew they were just waiting to score and then sit back, but we didn’t show the right edge. We need to bounce back immediately. We already play again on Friday and we have to work hard to do better."
Will this defeat affect the team’s morale?
"I don’t think so. The group I’ve seen throughout pre-season, even after the defeat to Chelsea, is fantastic, a group that wants to work and always looks ahead. We’ll stay united no matter what happens in the future."
Did you miss the support of the fans?
"To be honest, I really liked the reaction of the fans after we equalized 1-1. It gave us a big push. But we’re sorry we couldn’t give them the three points… What happens outside is not up to the players, but the fans are always there for us."
How much harder is it to play here compared to Bologna or Rome?
"The Milan shirt is very heavy. When you wear it, you have the duty to give absolutely everything on the pitch."
Did you miss Rafael Leão? Saelemaekers replied:
"Rafa is incredibly strong, he gave us a lot even when playing up front. But we also have great confidence in Giménez, so nothing really changes whether it’s Leão or Santi playing. We’re a united team. We’ll help any striker to score. Today we didn’t help Santi enough, and he was a bit unlucky with the offside as well. But whoever plays in that position, we need to support him."
Few of you tried individual plays...
"That depends on each player’s personal qualities, everyone has their own. But I’d point out that today it was tough, they had 11 men defending, all compact in their half, which makes it very difficult to find the decisive play."
What are your feelings about this team? Saelemaekers said:
"I’ve always followed Milan even when I was out on loan. I could tell it was a tough year for all the players, with a sad atmosphere in the group. But when I came back, I found a squad eager to work and do something great. We have all the right qualities to have a good season. Of course, no one knows how things will go, but we’ll give everything."
