Milan director Paolo Maldini hopes to get Rafael Leao locked down to a new contract by November 12, but reminds people of budgetary differences. ‘Chelsea spent more on a reserve left-back than we did all year.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“I expect what I always expect from Milan: a courageous team,” Maldini told Mediaset Infinity and Sky Sport Italia.
“Our performances at home do tend to be different to those on our travels. Let’s also not forget the quality of our opponents, who are after all the reigning Club World Cup holders.
“Chelsea spent more on their reserve left-back than we spent in a whole year on the transfer market. What is clear is that our performance must be different to the one we saw in London. There have been some tactical adjustments and we lacked the determination in the opening stages, so that was a lesson.”
The difference in budget is also why Chelsea and now Paris Saint-Germain have been heavily linked with a swoop for Milan star Rafael Leao, who is negotiating a new contract with the Rossoneri.
“It’s true that clubs can chat, but we have not had any approaches after the transfer window closed. Now Rafa has to concentrate on this season and he’s doing it very well,” replied Maldini.
“We’d like to have the contract sorted before the World Cup, in fact we had hoped to get it done six months ago, but we need the right conditions. Our idea is to get it done before November 12, then we’ll see what happens.
“Tonight’s match is important for our journey this season. We’re a long way off the Milan that won the Champions League, that is clear. It takes time, strong investment and many other elements that we currently do not have.
“What we do have is hunger, tradition and young, talented players. We must get through a group that is a lot less difficult than last season, even if it still has its difficulties.
“This is the third year of the process, we started with zero experience in Europe and many things were new to us. We have always played well in Serie A this season and did not deserve to lose to Napoli, but in my view there is a difference in mentality this year compared to previous seasons.”
Maldini was the symbol and captain of that all-conquering Milan side and lifted the Champions League trophy, but how long will fans have to wait until seeing similar scenes?
“Some things can never be repeated. I hope that they will, but perhaps being protagonists for 25 years needs certain foundations. We are working on it and the stadium, unfortunately, is one of them. We are all very fond of San Siro, but to make investments of that kind, we cannot live on memories alone and need to look to the future.”
Do the San Siro up then Paolo. The horse-racing track isn’t in use anymore. So knock it down + put the posh boxes on the two-tier side!
Unless the race-course has historical significance + San Siro doesn’t? And with today’s tech I’m sure they could improve facilities all around the stadium too?
But he’s right, in that Milan have an average attendance of over 70,000 + have been taken over by supposedly ambitious owner’s + yet they don’t seem to be the same side this season. The ref has ruined tonight’s match as a contest, but Chelsea even outplayed them at Stamford Bridge.