4 days ago
37
Dida has expressed his happiness that AC Milan seem to be competitive again, and also that Mike Maignan appears close to renewing.
In terms of goalkeepers who know what it takes to win at Milan, few stand alongside Dida. The Brazilian won the Scudetto in his time at the club as well as the Champions League twice, the Coppa Italia, the Supercoppa Italiana, the UEFA Super Cup twice and the FIFA Club World Cup.
He is one of four Milan goalkeepers with 300 career appearances, and returned as the goalkeeping coach from 2020 to 2022. As a result, he got to know Maignan well, given that he arrived before his second year and the Rossoneri ended up winning the Scudetto just before his exit.
Dida: Maignan ‘one of the best’
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport features a lengthy interview with Dida in which he spoke about his former club’s season so far, as well as Maignan’s form and the talk of a renewal.
How are things going this season?
“I think it’s going well. Milan is a big club and as such needs a competitive team that demonstrates its strength. With new signings and a new system, they’re having a good season.
“I’m pleased to see that the team is high up in the standings, that they’re fighting until the end, that they’re united, and that they have a great group of players who are giving their all.
“All this shows that it’s no coincidence that they’re in that position. Allegri has given the team more calm and confidence.”
Have there been defensive improvements?
“On the pitch, I see a notable balance between the departments, and it’s more difficult for other teams to find space to play. Milan still have a lot of room to improve . Pavlovic, Gabbia, and Tomori have grown both technically and tactically.
“They’ve learned the correct mechanisms and movements to cover each other, as well as being more aggressive in one-on-one situations. This means that the opponents have less opportunity to attack the spaces, and getting close to the Rossoneri goal is more complicated.”
A tricky trip to Bologna is next…
“It’s true that the Rossoblu are going through a difficult period in terms of results, but it will certainly be a difficult match because Bologna will have the advantage of playing at home and, as we’ve seen, they’re a team that knows how to play well and can surprise. Milan will have to have the right approach, as they have always done this season.”
Is Mike Maignan back to his best?
“Mike makes crucial saves and consistently proves to be one of the best goalkeepers around. He’s in spectacular form, and his many saves, not just one or two, demonstrate his focus throughout the match.
“He’s also very good at building up play: he knows how to handle short and medium-length passes, but he also has the ability to surprise the opposing defense with a long ball. He’s a natural leader. You can see it in the way he communicates with his teammates on the pitch.
“Since arriving at Milan, he’s always shown himself to be a good communicator, he commands everyone’s respect and trust, and he knows his role is important both on and off the pitch.”
Allegri said he’s one of the three best goalkeepers in the world…
“I totally agree. Today, in this role, I see few goalkeepers doing better than him. I really have to congratulate him and the staff for what they’re doing. I hope he continues like this. He knows what I think of his human and professional qualities.
“As I said, he needs to continue to have this serenity that allows him to perform at his best. If he signs a new contract, everyone will surely be happy with what Mike is doing for Milan and what he represents for the team and the club.”
Is the Scudetto realistic?
“Allegri is right, Milan must first return to the Champions League. That doesn’t mean finishing fourth, but finishing in the top four. You must never think too far ahead, but have clear goals and work every day to achieve that goal.
“Nothing is as easy as it may seem: it takes commitment, maximum concentration, and few distractions, such as constant references to the Scudetto.
“It’s natural that Inter are the favourites: they’re top of the table, have quality players, and above all, have consistently finished among the top spots in the league in recent seasons.”
Would you have liked Modric in your Milan team?
“Of course. Modric is truly excellent : he’s a very technical player with a strong passion that he manages to transmit to everyone during the match, or at least that’s how it seems when I’m at the stadium.
“I would have been very happy if I had the chance to play with him: it would have been fantastic given his enormous qualities, even on a human level. But already as it is, I’m very happy that he’s at this Milan.
“At 40 years old, I see him happy to train and still play at a certain level. He has the enthusiasm of a twenty-year-old boy and that’s certainly very nice ,” concludes Dida.
English (US) ·