Paolo Maldini insists nobody ‘can suggest we didn’t deserve this’ after Milan secured second place and discussed how much he has learned from his role as a director. ‘We had to be creative.’
The Rossoneri had the toughest task this evening, needing to beat Atalanta in Bergamo to secure a top four spot, but they did it with two Franck Kessie penalties.
Paolo Maldini insists nobody ‘can suggest we didn’t deserve this’ after Milan secured second place and discussed how much he has learned from his role as a director. ‘We had to be creative.’
The Rossoneri had the toughest task this evening, needing to beat Atalanta in Bergamo to secure a top four spot, but they did it with two Franck Kessie penalties.
“I don’t think anyone can suggest we didn’t deserve this, as we believed and fought all season,” Maldini told Sky Sport Italia.
“We are the youngest squad in the Italian top flight, we had to lower the wage bill and be creative. The club was supportive, the players and coach did a fantastic job. The mentality we created was that we wouldn’t have any alibis and that was our secret.”
Maldini has also earned plaudits for his role as a director and team manager, especially when he was seemingly pushed out of the way at some stages by Ivan Gazidis.
“I cannot deny there were difficult moments and regrets, as things could’ve gone even better. We were rewarded for the choices we made, not just in terms of the players, but also the way we communicated. That saved us during difficult moments.
“We believed even when things weren’t going very well. You could see the players had the potential to do more and when you have 20-year-olds wearing a prestigious jersey like this, you can’t expect everything straight away. Patience in football is important and not everyone can see those positive signs.
“It was a new role for me too and I had to gain experience, but fortunately I worked with Leonardo and I did learn a lot from watching him. Because it’s such a young squad, we directors had to talk more with the players as individuals than we used to in my day.
“The biggest challenge was making sure everyone felt a part of this Milan project, even those who are on loan or feel like they might be moving on. I really enjoy this job and I hope to continue for a long time.”
Maldini above all stood by Stefano Pioli through thick and thin, especially when Gazidis was in negotiations with Ralf Rangnick last summer.
“The truth is that we never doubted Pioli this season. Let’s not forget where we started from, losing 5-0 in Bergamo, where we won today.
“I have always been honest and never lied to you, so even if we didn’t talk much, we only spoke the truth.”
With that in mind, Maldini was asked about the Gianluigi Donnarumma contract situation, which is due to expire on June 30.
“It’s not right to say anything this evening, it’s a time to celebrate. Donnarumma was one of the happiest men in that dressing room and it’s an achievement also thanks to his saves this season.”
Milan are back in the Champions League for the first time in seven years, but Maldini isn’t stopping here.
“This must not be a finish line, but somewhere to build on. We’re happy, but Milan must be a stable figure in the Champions League, so we can compete economically with other clubs.”