‘One of the most important clubs’ – Milan squad continue to reiterate season aims

This summer, it seems like AC Milan are being more realistic with their goals for the upcoming season. Probably a good thing, after last year. 

After the season which Milan had, they cannot start throwing claims around that they are ready to challenge for the Scudetto; even if that may be the internal desire. Instead, the club must remain grounded. Aware of their previous season’s faults and determined to better them.

This does seem to be the case, too, with several interviews in the past week proving so.

Fighting together

It started on Friday, when Youssouf Fofana spoke in Gazzetta dello Sport. The midfielder stated that the Rossoneri had to be in the Champions League.

The Champions League…

“Milan must play in the Champions League every season. The club’s request isn’t a request: Milan has no choice. The advantage of not playing in it? Yes and no, because the cups are played by six or seven Serie A teams, while the others will have the same amount of time as us to prepare for their league matches.

“We shouldn’t be looking at last season’s Napoli, only ourselves. The goal is to win every game we play and return to competitiveness.”

This message was then repeated by Massimiliano Allegri in his pre-Perth press conference, with similar phrases used.

His return and season targets…

“I’ve returned to Milan after 15 years and I’m happy to be here. It will be an important season for us, and we want to return to the Champions League. Milan is one of the most important clubs in the world and must play in the Champions League.

Finally, Matteo Gabbia has repeated a similar line today, when also speaking to Gazzetta.

Qualification for the Champions League is the goal set by Tare and Allegri…

“Given their history, AC Milan doesn’t deserve to be left out of the Champions League. We’ll do everything we can to bring them back: that’s our primary goal this season.”

Of course, words mean little. However, there is a consistency in what is being said, and the way in which it is being said. A consistency which lacked last season. In addition to this, there is also a sense of realism being offered.

A realism that fans can get behind. With the season going as it was last year, it was difficult to look at the Diavolo as title contendors. Yet, the words from the management made it seem like it was a genuine belief.

Now, it is not as much, and that can only be a good thing. It is a gradual process.