AC Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maignan spoke to the media in a press conference today in Saudi Arabia ahead of tomorrow's Supercoppa Italia semi-final against Napoli.
Last year you were here, you won the Cup. What do you expect from this tournament? And what can you tell us about your future?
"Last year we won, but last year is gone. This is a new journey, and we have to focus only on tomorrow night’s match. That’s the most important. Without tomorrow night, Monday doesn’t matter. If we want a positive result, we need to stay focused on today’s training to be in good shape for tomorrow night."
What has changed from last year to this year? What are your feelings?
"Winning last year was great, but this year is a different season. Our results right now are better. Of course, as my teammates said, this year we are more of a team, more like a family, a group that lives well together. Many things have changed, the coach and his staff have brought calm and a structured way of working. We need to keep this rhythm and improve every day to achieve positive results. To do that, we must stay very focused on what awaits us from today until tomorrow night, then after that we can take a step forward."
You are in the last year of your contract with Milan: how do you stay focused while everyone talks about your future? Maignan replied:
"I believe the most important thing is what I can do every day. Of course, my future is talked about, but that’s not something that should bother me. I need to focus on giving my best. Today is not the time to talk about my future, we have a very close match. I need to give my best tomorrow night and see what happens after."
How will it feel to play in Riyadh again?
"It’s something different. Since we are focused on this match, I don’t think we should listen to what happens in the stadium, we need to focus on playing our football and doing what the coach says. It will definitely be a good match, I experienced it last year. The fans are passionate. We need to give our all, that’s the most important thing."
Last year you won… how do you do it again?
"Last year is gone. It was great, but now there’s a new journey. We need to give our all to repeat it."
Maignan, do you have a message for the Rossoneri fans here in Saudi Arabia?
"A very simple message: thank you for supporting Milan. I believe we can give our best for you who are here for us."
How is it working with Claudio Filippi? What has changed with his arrival?
"He has brought me a lot of calm. He is a very experienced person, has a cool head, and knows how to manage a group of goalkeepers. Working with people like him is much easier. I don’t want to make comparisons, but I feel very good with what he brings to training, how he manages my character and my needs. I’m happy and I hope it continues like this throughout the season."
