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Demetrio Albertini, the AC Milan legend, has shared his thoughts on the current season and why Milan must be far from satisfied even in the event of Coppa Italia win.
In the league, Milan are currently in 9th place and will miss out on the Champions League for next season. The Coppa Italia is their only hope for European football, as a win would secure Europa League, and it would also take their trophy tally up to two for the season.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport for today’s edition, Demetrio Albertini discussed Milan’s path to the Coppa Italia final, what the current season means and where the Rossoneri need to be in the future. Albeit coy with some of his answers, he explained the importance of competing at the top perfectly.
Albertini, be honest, did you expect a 3-0 win in the derby?
“No, but I was hoping for it. Let’s say it was a hope, rather than an expectation. The team held up well in the first half, then found its rhythm, imposing itself clearly and deservedly.”
The turning point came with the use of the 3-4-3…
“I’ve said it many times and I’ll repeat it: for me, the interpretation of the match is fundamental, not the formation. At the beginning, Conceicao often changed the starting lineup because he had to know the group and the individuals, while now he has much clearer ideas.”
Is it just a coincidence that the starting eleven for the last derby didn’t include a single January signing?
“Maybe it’s a coincidence, but certainly the acclimatisation of players arriving in January is not easy. I speak in general terms and I’m not referring to Milan: the reinforcements in January arrive in a group that has a balance created during the previous months. They must be given time to understand where they are and to demonstrate their value.”
Speaking of individuals, Leao is no longer on the bench and is more decisive, even if he is not consistent…
“We always talk about Rafa with the same strengths and weaknesses. He’s a beautiful player with incredible potential, but before each match, you never know what kind of Leao will enter the pitch.”
Would you renew Maignan’s contract?
“For me, he is a great player, but the evaluation is up to the directors. And then the agreement must be found by both parties.”
And Theo’s?
“He’s also a great player. In the last few games, he’s returning to excellent levels. In this case as well, I leave the choice to the directors and the will of the parties to reach an agreement.”
What kind of Milan do you expect in May?
“Concentrated on the Coppa Italia final. The next two games of the season will be preparatory to creating the right team spirit. This is the quality that makes you win finals.”
What kind of opponent will Bologna be?
“Tough. The Rossoblu deserve a lot of compliments because they have created such a beautiful path: they did very well last season and even better this one. The results are no coincidence, but the result of an important job by the directors.
“As an opponent, Bologna scare me because of the enthusiasm with which they arrive in the final and the desire they have to give their fans a dream. For Milan, even if they haven’t won it for a long time, the Coppa Italia is one of the many trophies in their history. For Bologna, it is something they have been waiting for for a long time.”
With two titles in the trophy cabinet, what would the Rossoneri’s season be like?
“A possible victory in the Coppa Italia would make us fans, the players and the management happy, but if you are Milan, you cannot be satisfied.”
Especially if, as will happen, there is no Champions League qualification…
“Milan haven’t fought for the Scudetto for three years and in the last two, they’ve never reached the Champions League knockout stages. Beating Bologna on May 14 would be wonderful, but a club like this can’t play ‘only’ for the Coppa Italia.
“If you wear this shirt, you have to aim for the Scudetto and always participate in the Champions League. Not to qualify for the Europa League thanks to Coppa Italia.”
In case of winning the Coppa Italia, would you keep Conceicao?
“Giving an opinion on the work of a coach is difficult for a director, let alone for someone who observes from the outside. Also because the evaluations sometimes go beyond the results and are linked to the project.”
Albertini, as the Milan fan, who does he dream of on the bench? Ancelotti, Allegri, Sarri, Gasperini, Conte?
“Albertini, as a fan, dreams of lifting the Coppa Italia. The rest is up to those who decide,” he concluded.
As highlighted by Albertini, there is no reason for Milan to celebrate heavily even if they were to beat Bologna in the final. Something must change in the summer for the Rossoneri bounce back and revive their project, that’s for sure.
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