Philippe Mexes praised Anderlecht in a “balanced” Champions League group, but notes Milan’s comeback at Napoli “gave us a lot of confidence.”
Philippe Mexes praised Anderlecht in a “balanced” Champions League group, but notes Milan’s comeback at Napoli “gave us a lot of confidence.”
The Rossoneri are second in Group C, but just one point ahead of Anderlecht and two in front of Zenit, so their qualification is still up in the air.
“The last time I came here my team won 7-1, but tomorrow that won’t be the case,” said defender Mexes at the start of his Press conference in Belgium.
“This is a very tough game and a decisive one, so we have prepared for it as best we can. It is a Champions League match and we’ll do everything to win, though it is a fixture rich with hidden dangers.
“We will try to keep a clean sheet and hurt our opponents in attack.”
On Saturday Milan fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 away to Napoli and Mexes hopes that can fire up the side.
“We showed a great reaction in Naples and that gave us a lot of confidence. We need points in Serie A, but have proved we’ve got strength and do not deserve to be in that position.
“The Champions League is a different tournament entirely and we are in a very balanced group. Anderlecht have shown they’ve got quality, but we will all fight together to get through to the next round.
“Things are not going the way they should. We lacked some good fortune, but also make individual mistakes. The only way out of this is to stay united and work together in the same direction.”
These teams drew 0-0 at San Siro in the opening round of the group, a performance that Massimiliano Allegri later referred to as their “worst of the season.”