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Mike Maignan is one of the most discussed players at AC Milan currently, and it is largely due to his contractual situation.
Right now, Milan are stuck between a rock and a hard place. With Maignan, they have one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, but he is heading towards the door as it stands. However, it may not be as doomed as it seems.
Reports in the past week have suggested that there is a positive feeling at Milanello, and perhaps the goalkeeper could stay. It is too early to tell, but after the Supercoppa Italiana, a final attempt will be made, it seems.
Maignan, the future and the now
For now though, the focus remains on the Supercoppa itself, and the Rossoneri are keen to retain the trophy which they won almost 12 months ago. Ahead of the game, the Frenchman, alongside Massimiliano Allegri, spoke about tomorrow’s clash against Napoli, as MilanNews relays.
You were here last year and won the Cup. What are your expectations for this tournament? And what can you tell us about your future?
“We won last year, but last year is over. It’s a new journey, we have to focus only on tomorrow night’s match. It’s the most important. Without tomorrow night’s match, there’s no Monday. If we want a positive result, we have to stay focused on today’s training to arrive tomorrow night in good shape.”
What’s changed from last year to this year? How do you feel?
“Winning last year was nice, but this year is a different season. The results are better right now. Of course, as my teammates said, this year we’re more of a team, more of a family, a group where it’s good to live.
“Many things have changed; the coach and his staff have brought serenity and their way of working. We need to continue this pace and improve every day to achieve positive results.
“To do that, we need to be very focused on what awaits us between now and tomorrow night: then, after this, we can take a step forward.”
You’re in the final year of your contract with AC Milan: how do you stay focused despite everyone talking about your future?
“I think the most important thing is what I can do every day. Of course, my future is a topic of discussion, but that shouldn’t bother me.
“I have to be focused and give my all. I don’t think today is the time to talk about my future; we have a very close match. I have to give my all tomorrow night and see what happens after that.”
What will it be like to play in Riyadh again?
“It’s something different. As focused as we are on this match, I don’t think we should listen to what’s happening in the stadium; we have to think about playing our own football and doing what the coach says. It will definitely be a great match, I experienced it last year.
“The fans are passionate. We have to give our all, that’s the most important thing.”
Last year you won… How do you do it again?
“Last year is over. It was great, but now there’s a new path. We have to give it our all to repeat ourselves.”
A message for the AC Milan fans here in Arabia?
“A very simple message: thank you for supporting AC Milan. I believe we can give our all for those of you who are here for us.”
How do you feel about Claudio Filippi? What has changed since his arrival?
“He’s brought me a lot of peace of mind. He’s a very experienced person, he’s cool, he knows how to manage a group of goalkeepers. Working with people like that is much easier.
“I don’t want to make comparisons, but I’m talking about him, and I feel very good about what he offers me in training, how he manages my character and my things. I’m happy, I hope it continues like this throughout the season.”
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