Maldini rates Milan’s season and sends clear message to Cardinale | OneFootball

After getting knocked out by Inter in the Champions League semi-final, AC Milan’s technical director Paolo Maldini spoke to the media. What he said will probably raise some eyebrows among the Rossoneri fans.

Milan were outplayed by Inter over two legs and never really stood a chance. The most annoying thing, perhaps, is that the Rossoneri didn’t play up to their standard. As we have seen in the last few months, they looked subpar.

Speaking to Mediaset after the game, as cited by MilanNews, Paolo Maldini shared his thoughts on the exit from the competition. He stated that it can still be a ‘great’ season for Milan, but it hinges on UCL qualification.

His initial thoughts…

“The journey isn’t over. We have a duty to try and finish in the top four, then we also have to wait to see what will happen with Juventus. Reaching the semi-final was a great thing, even unexpected. Of course, if you get knocked out by Inter it hurts and makes the path seem less beautiful than it was… But we have to be lucid and honest: we reached this point unexpectedly.”

Is there a gap with Inter?

“The gap is real: it hasn’t been a question in the last 4 games against them. Today we played a little better, but it was compromised by the first leg. It’s Inter’s way of playing that bothers us and we’re unable to find countermeasures, then we have also struggled against teams less strong than Inter in the last period…”

How long until Leao’s renewal?

“We are at the final details, there are very small things to fix, but the thing will definitely be done.”

How would you rate Milan’s season with qualification for the next Champions League?

“It would be 8/10. We said it last year: we’re not yet structured to compete in two competitions, we told the press and our owners, they know it very well. It’s a path that has brought great sporting and economic results. There are many young players. Today there was an average difference of three years compared to Inter. It would be a great season with UCL qualification.”

Are Milan full after the Scudetto?

“No, you only have full bellies when you get certain results, when you win over and over. Being back at this level must be exploited, also economically by investing to stay in the top four and do well in Italy.”

On CDK…

“De Ketelaere is an example of a player who needs to grow, it’s normal. It would have been much easier and much less expensive for us to go for Dybala. But would it have been the right signing for our project? No. We know we have an idea and we have the will to build a young and talented team.”

Milan have just three games left in the league and are currently four points from the top four. Depending on the outcome of Juve’s whole situation, the Rossoneri could miss out on the Champions League and that would be devastating.