Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers feels the squad is ‘even stronger’ this term and looks forward to his first season in the Champions League. ‘We need to be even more ready’.
The Diavolo finished second in Serie A last term and qualified for the Champions League, something Saelemaekers described as an ‘incredible feeling’.
“Getting to the Champions League was an incredible feeling for me, also because it will be my first time in the competition,” Saelemaekers told MilanTV.
“We worked hard to qualify, and I hope we can show that we are a strong team and that we can do great things.
“The Champions League is a great competition, it’s another level compared to Serie A. We need to be even more ready and focused to show that we are a strong group.
“If we do what the coach says, I think we will do well.”
The 22-year-old, who played 32 times in Serie A 2020-21, said he feels the team are ‘even stronger’ than last term.
“We have an even stronger group than last year because we added strong players like [Olivier] Giroud, [Mike] Maignan, [Fode] Ballo-Toure and others.
“I think we are stronger than last season and we need to show even more, because the other teams are stronger too. We have to work a lot even during the friendlies.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been replaced by former LOSC Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Saelemaekers said the new signing is settling in well.
“Maignan has already learned many Italian words to help the team,” he said. “He’s on track to do well and we are happy that he’s with us.”
Olivier Giroud also arrived to help Zlatan Ibrahimovic out up top and the Belgian winger said the France international’s experience will be very useful for the Rossoneri.
“Giroud has won a lot, he’s a great guy,” Saelemaekers continued. “The thing that is impressive, is that he’s so calm off the pitch. Normal and humble.
“He’s just a lad like me. He’s an example and has incredible experience, like Zlatan.”