Simon Kjaer made his return to the starting XI and also as a leader, apologising to Milan fans for their 3-0 Supercoppa Italiana defeat to Inter. ‘The time for the excuse of young players is over.’
The Denmark international was drafted in to replace Pierre Kalulu in the back four in Riyadh, but the results were not any better, as the Rossoneri have conceded nine goals in their last four competitive games.
They were 2-0 down within 20 minutes to Federico Dimarco and Edin Dzeko goals, then Lautaro Martinez turned Fikayo Tomori for 3-0.
“We started badly and it became far more difficult from there,” Kjaer told Milan TV.
“Inter are good at what they do, but tonight we did not put in the performance that the fans deserve. We can only apologise to them. Now we must analyse this match and get back on track, there’s no time to put our heads in our hands, but this defeat hurts.”
When asked what was lacking this evening, Kjaer hit out with some home truths for the Scudetto holders.
“The time for the excuse of young players lacking in experience is over. We have to all grow and take responsibility. We didn’t play with our identity today and must learn to keep a close eye on that.
“It was a tough night, above all mentally, but in these moments we must try to find our identity and improve in every aspect of our game.”
Good on him.