AC Milan’s honorary vice president Franco Baresi has provided an optimistic view of the Champions League group that the Rossoneri have been put in.
In today’s draw in Monaco, Milan were put in Group F alongside Ligue 1 winner Paris Saint-Germain, Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund and Premier League side Newcastle United. There is no shortage of interesting narratives, with plenty of players returning to their former clubs.
Baresi spoke to Sky live from Monaco to react to the draw that Milan have got, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“Starting from the third or fourth pot is always difficult. It’s a challenging, competitive group but I think it’s nice to play against these teams, to have this aspiration,” he said.
“Milan is Milan, we can compete with everyone and we must always be ambitious and believe that we can do it and beat these opponents.”
The Newcastle United game needs little introduction, after Sandro Tonali’s club-record move there. It will see the Italian midfielder return to San Siro and it will be interesting to see what kind of a reception he gets.
“I’m sorry to meet him right away, but I think he will get the welcome he deserves. The memory of him is still very much alive and there will certainly be the welcome he deserves.”
Baresi was asked what kind of aspirations Milan have in the competition, as well as what the perception of the other sides will be having had their name drawn alongside a club with such European history.
“Milan have a team that can compete. We have experience, quality players and we must not forget what we have done in the last two years. It’s an important, competitive group, but I think the others aren’t happy to have us in the group either.”
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