Gabbia: ‘Theo Hernandez didn’t need to apologise’ to Milan | OneFootball

Matteo Gabbia insists Theo Hernandez ‘didn’t even need’ to apologise to his Milan teammates after the costly red card in the Champions League play-off. ‘Theo has all our support.’

The Rossoneri are still smarting after their unexpected Champions League play-off exit to Feyenoord, having lost the first leg 1-0 and then seen Theo Hernandez sent off during the decider.

“It was not easy, but we talked and realised the only way forward at this moment is to work and give our all,” Gabbia told MilanNews.it at an event.

“There is a long season ahead, we’re still in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, so we do have objectives and the moral duty to give our all for ourselves and the fans.”

Gabbia stands up for Theo Hernandez

Referee Szymon Marciniak shows the red card to Theo Hernandez of AC Milan during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Theo Hernandez sent out a public apology after that foolish red card, but did he do it in private to the team too?

“Yes, straight after the game he apologised to the squad. In my view, he didn’t even need to do it, but I know how much he cares about Milan, the fans and everything around this club,” explained Gabbia.

“He was really down. He is a champion, we know he had an off day, but also had so many positive days that allowed us to win games and trophies.

“Theo has all our support, letting him realise that he made a mistake, but there is nothing more to add. He has Milan in his heart and will certainly prove that in future.”

Sergio Conceicao and special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic both said that Milan need to find more consistency, so what is going wrong within this group?

“The coach is very honest with us on what we need to improve. Zlatan, and the club, have always been by our side in good and bad. Zlatan spoke and obviously I cannot tell you what he said in the locker room, because these situations should remain between us,” concluded Gabbia.

“I just want you to know the club always supports us, in positive and negative moments.”

With the exit of Milan, Juventus and Atalanta from the Champions League play-offs, leaving only Inter, it is practically guaranteed that Serie A will lose its fifth slot in the tournament for next season.

With that in mind, only the top four will qualify and it is going to be a tight battle including the Rossoneri to secure that spot.