Milan director Paolo Maldini spoke with the media after the club’s 4-0 defeat to Lazio last night, theor second heavy defeat in a row. It was a poor performance from the Rossoneri, particularly at the back where they left their opponents too much room to operate in.
The result means Milan are now five games without a win and a full 12 points behind Napoli in the title race. Maldini took the decision to speak with the press to reassure them and the supporters on the clubs progress:
What is the message after a game like this?
“Last year we knew we were fighting for the title, this is a different moment. We are eliminated from the Italian Cup, we lost the Super Cup. We conceded 11 goals in just a few games, it’s a difficult moment.”
“You spoke of group unity, we must rediscover the team spirit, without thinking of causing disasters. However, we are second in the standings on our own, after winning the Scudetto and returning to the Champions League. The team is within its parameters.”
Should Milan work harder?
“That has never been lacking, we are present at all training sessions and we can testify to it. It happens, it also happened to my Milan, security, trust, distances are lost, it can happen. We know how to go back, but we must not make comparisons with the past. We don’t buy champions, we need to implement a strategy, we have healed the accounts and we will not move from this.”
Was the draw against Roma a turning point?
“Two points lost, a dominated match in which Roma hadn’t been dangerous. That’s where it all started, it’s two lost points. It’s not good but it’s accepted, because Roma are dangerous in those situations. Now we have players returning, a large squad, we know we’re not among the top in Europe, but we qualified for the Champions League round of 16 and it’s a great achievement.”
Is there something missing in terms of numbers?
“We are there in numbers, then Kessie left because he had requests that we could not accommodate. We don’t have the possibility to sign already made players, then the Bennacer-Tonali midfield is of a high level. Romagnoli left but Tomori and Kalulu played in the last 10 games last year. We have lost the distance a little and the game is very clear.”
The defence are making a lot of mistakes…
“At this moment if we don’t score with our first pressure then opposing team becomes dangerous. We find it hard to move together. It’s important to have cover, moving together means never feeling alone, with someone watching your back. They are missing in the last 15-20 days, it can be changed, we did it not too long ago. The psychological aspect determines a lack of quality and choices. You can always concede goals against Lazio.”
The return of Maignan?
“The last exams went well, we expect to have him in February. When, I don’t know.”
Origi, De Ketelaere and Zaniolo ?
“Origi has a four-year contract, De Ketealere five, we don’t judge them after the first few months. Joining a team that works perfectly is easier than a team that isn’t working. Charles is young, he has great skills, it’s a matter of time. Massara has said everything about Zaniolo, we evaluate the opportunities, we don’t hide and we don’t deviate from our plans.”
