Ex-Milan midfielder and former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel has explained why things went wrong for the Rossoneri against Feyenoord last time out, but believes Sergio Conceicao’s side have two advantages.
Van Bommel, who spent one season in San Siro at the end of his career in 2011-12, gave his verdict ahead of the second leg between Milan and Feyenoord in the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday evening.
The Rossoneri are currently trailing after a 1-0 loss at De Kuip last week, so require nothing other than a victory to progress to the round of 16, where they could potentially be drawn against rivals Inter.
Van Bommel: Milan ‘lacked aggression’ in Feyenoord first leg
Van Bommel believes that Conceicao is blessed with a competitive squad, but feels that the team lack determination and often struggle to come together as a team.
“I fully agree with what Conceicao and the players said at the end of the game. It was a Milan that was not very intense, who lacked aggression,” van Bommel told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
He continued: “It’s a shame because it’s a very competitive group, of the highest quality, which, however, struggles to express itself as a team.
“Individually, the players are very, very strong. But if you lack determination, it’s like playing at a 6/10. I’m not saying that you always have to be a 10, but at least an 8. If you don’t express yourself to the maximum, you make life easier for the opponent, like what happened in Holland.
The 2010 World Cup finalist went on to explain why Milan are still the favourites to go through despite being a goal down halfway through the tie.
He believes that playing at home in the second leg is always an advantage, and that the atmosphere in San Siro always provides an additional boost as well.
“The atmosphere at the Meazza is incredible, it can make the difference. I remember it perfectly, the Curva sings throughout the game. Playing the return leg at home is always an advantage, even more so in this case. Milan have to take advantage of this chance: Getting through in the Champions League is a necessity.”