AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has spoken to Milan TV about the UEFA Champions League draw that saw the red and black faithful of Stefano Pioli getting sorted in Group E with Chelsea, RB Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb. Here are his words:
"We were drawn in pot 1. So on paper, it seems a little less difficult than last year. But of course, there are always challenges. We have strong teams like Salzburg, who maybe don't have a big history in Champions League but they're a strong side. We've played against Dinamo Zagreb before in qualifiers. Then, there is Chelsea. Milan and Chelsea are the two favourites."
Chelsea are the World Champions, so it's a very interesting match against them...
"Yes, it's a good thing to have just one other top team in the group... It simplifies things, but we'll need to play well in all of them. On paper though, we're happy with the group."
What can we expect from Milan in Champions League this season?
"The aim in previous years has been to improve. We finished last in our group last season. It was a tough group and we finished fourth. So, the aim for us this year is to go through to the knock-outs. We need to get to the top two. That is easy to say. But, of course, we'll need to play well. Then, the results on the pitch will decide."
Paolo Maldini on increasing the value of the Milan club, brand, and players by playing well:
"Yes, it's important for us to be increasingly competitive on the biggest stage. It is a result of increased brand awareness, of partnerships and of the squad's value. I think that the fans, the team and everyone at the club want to compete for something bigger."
Luca Serafini joked about the final of Champions League being held in Istanbul. The fans are also dreaming. Paolo Maldini has already achieved his dreams, but what do you say?
"Dreams help you to have targets. They help you give everything, even for things that seem impossible. I don't think we're quite ready for that just yet. But, I don't think that teams will enjoy playing against us."
People say that Milan are a very European team given their style of play. They're quick, they're physical, so as you say, it'll be tough to take us on...
"Yes, away from tactics, we have a technically-sound team, we have a big history and a great stadium. But, other teams have these things as well who maybe have more resources than us right now, no so much in quality of players but in the ability to plan. We are still in the immediate phase. But, as Luca (Serafini) stated, this does not mean that we can't dream."
