Paolo Maldini admits Milan are not in the best shape as they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, but they still ‘want to make a good impression and progress’ in the tournament.
The Champions League Round of 16 tie kicks off at 20.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The second leg will be in London on March 8.
“I am at training every day and try to give my contribution for everything I’ve experienced with this fantastic jersey and in this fantastic sport,” the Champions League winner and technical director told Sky Sport Italia.
“The level is very high, that is clear, we arrive after a long time out, not in a period of great form or belief, and with a few injuries. We want to make a good impression and progress, it is a very delicate period, so we hope to keep the result open and we can fight it out in the second leg.”
RedBird chief Gerry Cardinale flew in this week to be present at the match, so did they discuss the new contract talks with Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao?
“We hadn’t met in a long time, so we talked about the general situation and how things are going. I think he is leaving tomorrow. I think it’s a bit reductive to talk about contract renewals right now, we fought for three, four years to get here and now we need to do our best.”
Milan have moved to a three-man defence over the last few games, so Maldini was asked if that can become a more permanent approach rather than a short-term fix.
“It is three or five, depending on how you look at it, is our way of regaining solidity. The last few weeks have not shown the same solidity we had in the previous two years, but above all the system is important for the way it is interpreted. We must not forget that aggression and courage are the elements that allowed us to get here and to go this far.
“I think the click to get back to what we were doesn’t come from one day to the next. Unfortunately, and fortunately, we have a series of crucial games for the season, because these are tests and also opportunities.”
Malick Thiaw has been barely used since his arrival over the summer, but with the move to a three-man defence and Fikayo Tomori’s injury, he has started to really make his mark.
“When I talk to the players, I never know whether my words can be positive or add more tension. I spoke to him a lot over the last few months, as I saw his improvement – him and Vranckx – and the game against Torino showed he has a lot of quality.
“This is a match that really makes itself felt, so we’ll test his character today as well.”
With the defensive injuries in mind, Maldini was asked if perhaps he could get his boots back on and help out the Milan squad.
“If you saw me walk, you’d know that was a bad idea! The ball also feels so hard and heavy, I fear I’d fracture something if I tried kicking or heading it! What’s done is done, let’s leave that in the past.”