Former Milan star Andriy Schevchenko believes Liverpool have been ‘unfortunate’ to draw the Rossoneri in the Champions League group stage this season. ‘It’s the toughest group’.
Milan have started the new season with three wins against Sampdoria, Cagliari and Lazio, and the former hero, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2004, enjoys watching the team.
Shevchenko played for 322 games for the Rossoneri, scoring 175 goals across two stints with the club, as he won a Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League during his time at San Siro.
“They are a lively team, with great pace,” Shevchenko told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “A team that is pleasant to watch, plays easily and just as easily manages to build excellent actions.
“They create, play vertically, always try to control, and have many solutions. I like the team, they will be there until the end to try and win the Scudetto.”
But the former Ukraine CT believes there are many rivals for the title this term, and points at Inter, Napoli, Roma and Juventus as the main contenders for the Scudetto in 2021-22.
“Inter have changed a lot, but remain competitive,” he said. “And then Napoli, Roma and the usual Juventus.
“They started badly but always know how to get up. I see great balance [in the championship], it will be even more beautiful for this very reason.”
This week Milan return to the Champions League with a match against Liverpool and Shevchenko spoke about the ‘toughest of all’ groups in the competition.
The Rossoneri are drawn Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and FC Porto in the group stage and Shevchenko said it won’t be a failure if the Diavolo won’t qualify.
“Their group is the toughest of all,” he added. “It’s no drama if they are eliminated, it can never be considered a failure.
“The team is competitive and has a chance to go through. And then let’s also look at it from the opponents’ side: drawing Milan in the fourth tier is unfortunate for them.
“Let’s take one step at a time. The group is ready to play for a place in the top of the championship, but the Champions League is different from everything.
“The enthusiasm of returning after years will give an extra boost, anything can happen. Above all, it’s in games of this depth the players grow, they increase awareness, they feel stronger and stronger.
“It’s a conscious circle: you play, gain experience, win, grow.”
And Shevchenko believes the team continues to develop under coach Stefano Pioli.
“Compared to the last few seasons, they ave already grown a lot,” he said. “They are more convinced of their strength, they are aggressive, they press, they create.
“They transmit passion to those who follow them. Pioli has done a great job over the last two years, he has regenerated the team.
“And [technical director Paolo] Maldini was very good too. The club made excellent signings.”
Olivier Giroud has arrived from Chelsea this summer and Shevchenko said there’s a great ‘mix’ between experienced players and youngsters at Milanello.
“I like the mix between young players and experts that has been created. Before, a symbol was missing, and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is back.
“Giroud is one who fights for the team, he will give a lot.”
When asked if Giroud can play alongside Zlatan, the former striker was certain.
“Of course, yes. Pioli will find the best solution.”
Ibrahimovic turns 40 in October, but Shevchenko is not surprised he can still play at the top level.
“I know him, it’s his head that still makes him competitive,” Shevchenko said. “The ambition of still wanting to be decisive.
“And he can be, not for 60 games, but in those he plays, he will be. And he will also be decisive in the dressing room. He’s a leader, he knows how to guide the youngest.”
Brahim Diaz returned from Real Madrid this summer and has been given the No. 10 jersey, left behind by Hakan Calhanolgu, who joined Inter.
“I like the way he [Brahim] moves between the lines,” Shevchenko said. “He’s quick, receives the ball and turns quickly, always pointing forward.”
And the former star pointed at Sandro Tonali too, believing the former Brescia player will get his big breakthrough for the Rossoneri in 2021-22.
“He showed that he can be an important player, he has enormous growth margins in front of him. He can become a great player,” he added. “[Mike] Maignan is good too, you don’t win the Scudetto in front of Paris Saint-Germain by chance.”