Olivier Giroud says Milan ‘don’t want to hide away’ from their Scudetto and Champions League ambitions after reinforcing the squad, but reveals a bit of reverse psychology on Rafael Leao.
The veteran striker converted two spot-kicks in this evening’s 4-1 win over Torino, ensuring they have a 100 per cent record in Serie A after two rounds.
“I was fortunate this evening to have two penalties, but it is never easy to put them in the net,” Giroud told Sky Sport Italia.
“The lads worked really hard in the box, we could’ve scored more goals and I am very happy with the team spirit and how efficient we were.”
The other goals were scored by Christian Pulisic and Theo Hernandez, while Perr Schuurs had given Toro a temporary equaliser at San Siro.
With such a strong start to the season and nine new signings, Giroud will not attempt to disguise their ambitions for this season.
“The ambition is to do what we did two years ago! We hope to fight to the end with this spirit for the Scudetto,” he smiled, referencing their title triumph in 2022.
“We don’t want to hide ourselves away, there are five or six teams who can do it. This is just the beginning, so everyone stay calm, but we feel very confident with what we are doing on the pitch.
“There is a little more quality and quantity in the squad. I think this time we can play in both Serie A and the Champions League, while we also want to do well in the Coppa Italia. Now we have many players who are ready to step in and there are at least two options for every role, maybe even three, so there is good competition and it raises the level.”
There are reports Milan are still seeking another centre-forward to act as understudy to Giroud, although the 37-year-old doesn’t feel as if he needs that.
“I don’t know, I think we are fine as we are, but then I am not the director. I think it’s a great squad now. If we need another player, I don’t know.”
Leao put in another strong performance this evening and Giroud warns not to give him too much praise.
“I already said many times, if Leao remains at this level consistently throughout the season, he can reach the highest level. I won’t tell him that, because otherwise he relaxes a bit too much!”