Paolo Maldini reveals his conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, as it feels ‘a bit strange for both clubs to meet in the Europa League,’ but Milan and Manchester United are ‘in different situations.’
The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off at 17.55 GMT.
Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Paolo Maldini reveals his conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, as it feels ‘a bit strange for both clubs to meet in the Europa League,’ but Milan and Manchester United are ‘in different situations.’
The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off at 17.55 GMT.
Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
The Rossoneri memories of Old Trafford aren’t just about victories over Manchester United, but also beating Juventus on penalties for the 2003 Champions League trophy.
“We do not live of memories alone, but seeing those images and coming back into this stadium is always a wonderful feeling,” Maldini told Sky Sport Italia.
“All the lads tonight, despite being young, have a very clear idea of what Milan represented in Italy and Europe. Even just when they walk into San Siro or the Milanello training ground with those photographs on the wall make them realise what it means to represent Milan and they feel that responsibility even more on nights like this.”
Italians have struggled in Europe so far this season, including Juventus going out in the Champions League to Porto.
“We were up there with Sir Alex Ferguson just now and it does feel a bit strange for both clubs to meet in the Europa League,” continued the Milan legend.
“However, it is an opportunity for growth for Milan, one of confirmation for Manchester United. We are in different situations, as they have the kind of revenue that provides more security for the future of the club and we are battling to reach that point.”
Ferguson is now a regular at Old Trafford, although he only recently made a full recovery from a brain haemorrhage in 2018.
“It’s always a pleasure to see Ferguson, especially as he seems well after that terrible health scare. I always remember when he asked my Dad if I was ready to come to Manchester after he came here to watch a game at Old Trafford and we laugh talking about my father’s response, which was not polite!”
This is probably the most difficult Europa League draw that Milan could’ve asked for.
“It’s a tough game, Manchester United are one of the toughest opponents in the tournament, and we come into it with many absentees.
“It is also a test of maturity, because these lads need to face these challenges in order to truly become great. We are in a phase of evolution, both in Italy and Europe, so it’s a big test.
“It’s a pity we can’t play it with more of the squad at our disposal, but we never felt sorry for ourselves so far this season and the response on the pitch has always been excellent.”
Rafael Leao is playing as a centre-forward this evening, as he is the only striker available.
“He has always played somewhere between the two, which is probably the problem. He played as a centre-forward, but starting a bit from the left.
“In our tactical system, his best games were probably starting from the left. We forget how young he is, he was born in 1999, so it takes time for him to grow. At clubs like Milan, the time is often limited.”
Franck Kessie has become a real leader within the Milan midfield and squad, who is practically never given a rest.
“Franck’s growth has been exponential, not just for what he does on the pitch, but also his guidance to the lads and leadership. Along with Ibra, he is the player who helps them the most, which is why we call him The President.”
Alessio Romagnoli is injured and not even on the bench, so Fikayo Tomori starts tonight.
“Tomori has different characteristics to the other defenders in the squad and we try to make the most of that pace, especially against a side like Manchester United who focus so much on pace.”