source www.acmilan.com
Paolo Maldini spoke in a press conference held on the eve of the big Bayern Munich-Milan Champions League quarter-final. The captain said: ‘Bayern Munich are a very solid team and are physically strong. They are following the style of play they have always had over the years. This Bayern side are similar to last year’s, both in play and in their formulation. Our hope lies in doing the job that lies ahead of us. Looking at the first leg you can see that the opportunity is there. It’s open and nothing is yet sealed.’
It was a strange moment for Maldini when he was asked how he felt about the possibility that tomorrow’s game could be his last in the Champions League: ‘I have gave my all here for 20 years. I am used to thinking positively, therefore I will not walk on the field thinking that this could be my last Champions League game. Even though, if you think about it, this thought could give me even more energy.’
The captain confirmed that the Rossoneri squad left for Munich with just the right conviction: ‘We came here saying to each other that we really believe we can win. The result of the first leg penalises us, but the game is still to be played. We deserved to arrive here with a certain advantage, but instead Bayern have the advantage. We must accept the result from the field because if you make mistakes you pay for them, especially at this level. I absolutely do not think that the German’s advantage damages our possibility of qualifying.’
When asked why he is so serious, the captain responded: ‘I am a serious guy, but I am not an introvert. Our dressing room is serious, but there is also a great feeling there and it is fun.’ Before closing the press conference, Maldini outlined the path Milan will have to follow tomorrow night to get through: ‘We must not put ourselves in danger because the game can be won even in the final minutes. This is why it will be fundamental to not concede a goal and we must not leave them open for the counterattack.’
Carlo Ancelotti also spoke in the pre-game press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich: ‘I think that Pippo Inzaghi will be available. He has some problems. However, if he plays then that means he is doing well. There was a lot of talk about his condition as a player, of his future and of the fact that up until now he hasn’t always played. They speak about the goals he scored in the Champions League and… a certain someone has also scored against Bayern Munich. This is what counts.’
The coach then focused on Bayern Munich: ‘At home, they are a less inhibited side. What happened in the past doesn’t count, now is all that really counts. What counts is how the sides arrive at this game. We will have to play with confidence, being secure in our game and our possibilities in order to win.’