Gabbia comments on Milan’s defensive struggles, Atalanta game and Europa League draw

Defender Matteo Gabbia believes that AC Milan can go all the way in the Europa League, and responded to the notion that the team are too careless in the defensive phase.

Gabbia got yet another start last night – his 10th since returning early from his loan spell at Villarreal – as Milan lost 3-2 to Rennes in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie.

In the end that result was enough to seal passage to the last 16 of the competition after a 5-3 aggregate victory, and in the draw today it was confirmed that Slavia Praha await next month.

On Sunday though Atalanta visit San Siro, and there is a desire for revenge given they have beaten the Rossoneri twice already this season.

An improvement on the defensive end will be needed, because Milan have let in 31 goals in 25 league games this season, as well as seven goals across their last two games.

Gabbia spoke to SportMediaset after the Europa League draw to comment on the opponent and the team’s recent moment, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.

Your thoughts on the draw?

“We followed the draw without anxiety, but with the desire to continue a path that can give us a lot of satisfaction. The opponent is strong, even if we still have to get to know them better. They had a good qualifying round and it will be a match to be addressed in a serious and concentrated manner.”

Can Milan win the Europa League?

“When you play in a club like Milan there is always the desire to give everything and achieve victory. It’s a duty and we as a group have this desire to go all the way in the competitions we participate in.”

The team are conceding too many goals…

“Every goal conceded has a story of its own. Yesterday against Rennes we got two fairly random penalties. They started very strong and on the attack and there were many of them in attack.

“There are situations in which we have to work more united and cohesive, trying to sacrifice more. But we know it and we will try to implement it in the next match to do better and bring home a victory.”

That next match is against Atalanta..

“We are focused. I see a lively team with a strong soul, which wants to do well and always give everything. Atalanta is an important test in the scheme of the season and for us, not only a fundamental test for the defensive phase. It’s an important match for Milan.”

How would you describe your moment?

“In several seasons I have been a protagonist for Milan and I have felt an integral part of this team. Sometimes I have played more, sometimes less also depending on the coach’s choices. This year I have grown and I am happy and I’m trying to do my best to help my team-mates.”