Former AC Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida, who also coached Mike Maignan during the 2021-22 Scudetto-winning season, gave an exclusive interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.
Dida, as a Milan supporter, how happy are you after the derby?
"Very happy, because Milan showed tremendous concentration and a desire to react after the negative result against Bologna. I am also pleased with the football they played, the great understanding between the players and their attitude."
What did you like most about the team? Dida said:
"We saw tremendous determination from everyone right from the opening whistle. The players were looking to take on their opponents, take them on one-on-one and showed that they believed in victory. It was a performance of great personality and courage."
Was Maignan's save, that incredible reflex at 2-1, decisive for the victory?
"It was an incredible save, truly unbelievable. It shows that Maignan is always alert and focused. At that moment, with his intervention, he helped the team maintain their lead, and that was certainly very important."
Did you expect Moreira to be so decisive in his first Serie A season and after so few matches?
"Moreira is a young talent who is developing greatly. Match after match, he is demonstrating both his value within the team and the confidence he has in himself. We hope he can continue to develop and help his team-mates even more."
Is it right for Milan to be aiming to win the Scudetto?
"I think Milan must first and foremost find their own rhythm of play and gain increasingly greater control over matches. We have won a derby, but there is still a long way to go to win the league. My objective is to see this team develop further and demonstrate that they can become even stronger."
From tomorrow onwards, it will be necessary to improve their position in Europe. Is underestimating Ferencváros the biggest risk?
"Maintaining continuity in the work the coach is doing is the main thing. It will not be an easy match against the Hungarians, but winning would be important to remain close to the top positions. Milan must never underestimate any opponent: they must take to the pitch with respect, approach the challenge with the right mentality and play their own game."
Do you agree that Milan, given their DNA and the seven Champions League titles they have won, should be aiming to lift the Europa League?
"All teams aim to win, but it is clear that Milan, because of their history, have a different kind of responsibility. We are talking about an important club on the world football stage and, consequently, winning is fundamental for the club, the fans and all its supporters around the world."
Dida, what has been missing so far against Benfica and Bournemouth?
"Undoubtedly, the opponents they have faced are strong. Milan could have done better, but the team is developing and has important players on the bench. These are players who can help cover for certain injuries. A large squad is a positive aspect that could prove useful as the season progresses: to go all the way in every competition, everyone's contribution is needed."
Do you like Amorim?
"I had the wonderful opportunity to be present when he arrived in Milan and to spend time with him at Casa Milan and San Siro. He is a wonderful person, a young coach who has already gained important experience in the world of football and has a tremendous desire to win. He is still settling into Milan, but he is quickly learning everything he needs to work as well as possible in this environment. I believe he can do very well here: he has the courage and awareness of his own abilities and knows that he can give a lot to this team."
Would Modric have been useful to the Milan team you had that won everything?
"Definitely. Modric is a joy to watch: he still runs so much and has an incredible desire to play and win. He is certainly an example for young players and represents a great source of inspiration."
Would Dida have liked to play for today's Milan?
"It is a shame that time passes for everyone! I would always like to be on the pitch because I have a tremendous passion for football. This sport has given me everything and I am truly happy to have had this opportunity in my life. Milan is a family to me. If I could go back, I would still be on the pitch wearing the Rossoneri shirt."
Did you like the atmosphere on Saturday, with the Milan fans being the twelfth man on the pitch? Dida replied:
"San Siro is something magical, and seeing the stadium full gives everyone goosebumps. It is emotional to see the Curva, the fans, the fathers, mothers and children who are there to support Milan. It is a passion that is difficult to explain, but simply fantastic."
Do you like the new San Siro that will be built? Dida answered:
"The world moves forward and football evolves: it is right that Milan should have a new stadium, and I really like what has been presented. It is important to create facilities that increasingly better meet the needs of the fans and the clubs. San Siro has made history, but I am sure that the new stadium will also live up to its legacy."
