Franco Baresi has admitted that AC Milan feel some regret at even being in the Champions League play-off round, but they are happy to avoid Juventus.
Going into the final game of the first phase on Wednesday, Milan had a quite simple task: beat Dinamo Zagreb to secure direct passage to the last 16 without having to go through a play-off to qualify.
However, disaster struck as they lost 2-1 in the Croatian capital, thus meaning they must now face off against Feyenoord over two legs next month. If they were to get through, Inter or Arsenal await the Rossoneri in the next round, so they have made it a tough path.
After the draw took place this afternoon, Milan’s honorary vice president Franco Baresi spoke to Sky to comment on the two-legged tie that awaits against Feyenoord but also on Sunday’s derby. MilanNews relayed his comments.
Milan have avoided Juventus, so it will be Feyenoord…
“Yes, better this way, better to avoid the Italian clash. However, we throw ourselves back into the Champions League with great respect also towards Feyenoord, because we know that in these competitions you should never underestimate anyone.”
What does this team need to regain pride?
“We definitely wanted to avoid this round. We were in a position to do it, to easily get through to the last 16 [directly], but instead we made life difficult for ourselves. I think there was great disappointment, bitterness, first of all the team, the players are disappointed.
“Now we have to throw ourselves back in with great determination, attention. We know that when they meet Milan the opponent’s attention is maximum, so we have to be prepared, united and regroup.
“In difficult situations, everyone has to be good at examining their conscience and putting themselves on the line. So I think we have the qualities and the possibility to recover.”
As a legend who made history at Milan, what message do you send?
“The message of always being positive, of being good at erasing what has happened and looking forward with confidence. To think that we have played some great games in the Champions League, so we must not forget that.
“We have the quality and therefore have confidence, not to lose confidence in our qualities and in what we can do, because we have met great teams and we have shown that we can play on equal terms when we are all united, with great attention, with a team spirit.
“We must have fun doing things together to make things difficult for our opponents, because then meeting us becomes difficult with the others too.”
With what spirit do Milan approach Sunday’s derby? Do you like the idea of another derby in the Champions League?
“Let’s take it one step at a time. Now Sunday we have the league derby. It’s another challenge, another match. We have the experience of the Supercoppa, they will be angry and we must know that derbies are played to the end.
“There will be a great atmosphere and we must prepare, beyond the disappointment we had in the Champions League. We must demonstrate that we have the mentality and personality that is needed.”
Does the derby come at the right time to give Milan a boost?
“That’s my wish. Morale isn’t very high but we have to be ready because it could be the game that makes you take the leap and get back on track.”
