Ahead of the Derby della Madonnina, AC Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini has spoken to the press about the Rossoneri’s chances and his belief that the key players can turn things around.
For Milan, there have been disappointments on almost every level so far this season. The manager looks incapable of getting the team to play in his style, and the players look unable to perform in the current set-up, whilst also having some potential attitude issues.
This weekend, they have a golden opportunity to turn things around – facing Inter in the derby. However, it could also be an early burial for their season if they do not perform at the expected levels which Ibrahimovic reminded them of yesterday.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera (relayed by Milan News), Ambrosini spoke about his belief in the squad to reverse their poor start whilst also speaking about the faith he has in key players like Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez.
Fonseca in case of a heavy defeat risks his job…
“It’s an opportunity for everyone: players, coach, club. We need a signal that so far there hasn’t been. It’s precisely when your back is against the wall that sometimes you can find energy that you don’t know you have, even mental, more than physical. The derby is also special for this.”
Ibrahimovic, whom you know well, his companion on trips to the mountains that have become a cult on social media, is in the crosshairs after the phrase of the lions and kittens before Liverpool. What can Zlatan give Milan at this critical moment?
“The narrow answer has to be given on the pitch, by the players, they have the ball. Zlatan, who has given the coach a strong team, can contribute with his leadership to prepare the derby in the best way. But the ball is now in the players’ hands.”
Two leaders like Leao and Theo Hernandez have so far disappointed, also in their attitudes…
“There are times when you need inner strength to rebel against adversity. This strength has so far been little seen. On Sunday they will have the opportunity to reverse the trend.”
What has Milan lacked so far?
“Balance and attitude. A clear idea of how to attack and defend, how to stay on the pitch, from the start to the 90th minute. In the first minutes with Liverpool they showed what they are capable of when they attack: I’m thinking of Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders. The team has been built well, the players are there. We have to give them some self-confidence, too.”
Will the tactical key be in midfield, as in the last derbies?
“More than the tactical aspect, this time the situation we were talking about before will count a lot: Milan must give an answer as a team, of nastiness, of compactness, of unity.”
Lautaro is not going through a brilliant phase. A small advantage for Milan?
“If I were an AC Milan player, I would hope for it but I wouldn’t count on it.”
What have these first four days said?
“That Inter have remained the strongest. The starting grid has been respected so far. Taremi and Zielinski have improved the squad. The gap with the pursuers has remained.”
