Former Italy and Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi believes Milan players must create a solid block against Tottenham and play within 25-30 meters: ‘Two words are the key, pressing and transitions.’
The Rossoneri visit Antonio Conte’s team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
The defending Serie A champions won the first leg in London 1-0 in February. However, they should not rely too much on their little advantage, noted Sacchi.
“Milan only have one way to qualify, play with courage and confidence. If they focus too much on tactics, it’s the end,” he wrote in his column for Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The approach will be crucial. Relying too much on the goal they scored at San Siro would be a trap.
“The psychological aspect is vital in these games and must be studied in detail. Milan should not play to suffer. Instead, Tottenham should suffer them,” continued the former coach.
“This must be the starting point. What’s the best way to hurt the opponents? Play well and believe until the end to overcome the difficult moments.”
Milan legends Alessandro Nesta and Andriy Shevchenko also noted in their most recent interview with the pink paper that Stefano Pioli’s men should not play a defensive match stressing that Tottenham strikers must be kept far away from Mike Maignan’s goal.
“I’ve identified two worlds that could be the key to opening the door of glory: pressing and transitions,” added Sacchi.
“Pioli’s men must play as a unit, remaining within 25-30 meters maximum. The defence must move simultaneously with other departments. Strikers must track back when Tottenham have the ball and defenders must keep a high line with the Rossoneri have the possession.
“Like this, the team will create a unique block with no spaces for the opponents. It’s crucial for players to play close to each other.
“Tottenham are a great team, led by a top coach such as Antonio Conte. The atmosphere will be electric, but Milan players should not be fearful and have the desire to show their qualities, keeping their opponents far from their area.”
Conte returned to London on Sunday after recovering from surgery in Italy. He will be on the touchline this evening against the Rossoneri. The last time Milan qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals was in 2011-12.