MONTELLA: "WE NEED A STRONGER REACTION"
After the 0-0 draw against AEK Athens at San Siro, Vincenzo Montella addressed the media at the post-match press conference. Here are the boss’ thoughts in full:
MORE COURAGE
“AEK Athens showed they are rough and clever as a team, probably more than us. We didn’t play a good first half but I am pleased with the second spell. We made 22 attempts in total, we were not clinical though. I would like to see the team play with more courage, we are lacking a bit of this. The group (D) is still open, we are first and would like to finish on top. We will have to fight for it in the next three games.
MESSAGE TO ALL RED AND BLACK FANS
“We haven’t been able to put the last defeats behind us. We need a stronger reaction. I think tonight’s whistles were more about the last three defeats than tonight’s performance. I would like to send a message to all Red and Black fans: keep supporting the boys, they are the ones who can get us out of this situation and bring us back to the top positions in the competition (Serie A) and to the next round (in Europa League).
THE INDIVIDUALS
“Bonucci played like a true leader, he gave a great performance in defence as he tried to encourage everyone in the team. Calhanoglu is a very emotional lad, but he has the potential to make us a better team.
THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CLUB MANAGEMENT
“I believe I have an excellent relationship with Mirabelli, personal and professional. We have already met and agreed on certain things. Nothing has changed, we all have to keep working hard to bounce back. In my opinion, in order to reach the top, a team must go through difficult times. I think Mirabelli would like to see AC Milan playing good recurrently, but to reach such consistency we need to have the right mentality first. Players need to know each other well for a team to become compact and that comes with time”.
(Photo LaPresse)
