Maignan praises match-winner Rabiot and responds to hint about possible renewal

Mike Maignan has admitted that AC Milan started slowly against Como, but hung in there and struck when it counted to claim the win.

Marc-Oliver Kempf scored the opening goal with a header from a corner that Maignan could do very little about as Milan’s zonal marking system seemed to let them down again. However, he then made several world-class saves to keep his team in it, a couple to deny the lively Nico Paz.

From there, the Rossoneri were able to get a foothold on the game, which resulted in an equaliser from the penalty spot with Adrien Rabiot fouled and Christopher Nkunku converting. Rabiot then netted a second-half brace to turn the game fully around and secure a huge three points.

Magic Mike’s reaction

Maignan spoke to DAZN after the full-time whistle at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, reacting not only to the three points but also his own heroics. MilanNews relayed what he had to say.

Did the game go as you planned?

“We knew playing here would be difficult. We were prepared. We started slowly, they scored, but we didn’t concede a second. We held firm as a team and scored when we wanted to. We closed down well, and that gave us the three points tonight.”

Rabiot was decisive at the other end…

“He scored two beautiful goals and earned a penalty, but above all, there’s a lot of work behind it that we can see, not just the goals. He’s done very well for the team.”

Your favourite save tonight?

“I would say the one on Da Cunha.”

How much do you enjoy nights like this?

“We know these are great nights for Milan with an atmosphere like this. We suffered, we used up a lot of energy and left it all on the field.”

(The interviewer was trying to get Maignan to confirm he will renew his deal, but Maignan needed some help from Rabiot on understanding the hint.)

Does it make him want to experience many more nights like this in future?

“Of course, yes. What he [Rabiot] said.”