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Alexis Saelemaekers stressed the importance of having a ‘united group’ after AC Milan beat Inter 1-0 in the derby on Sunday night.
Saelemaekers had a hand in the only goal of the game, unleashing a shot in transition that was destined to nestle in the bottom corner. Yann Sommer got a hand to it but only succeeded in parrying it straight into the path of Christian Pulisic, who fired into an unguarded net for the winner.
That doesn’t begin to tell the whole story though, as there was more drama when a penalty was awarded for a foul by Strahinja Pavlovic on Marcus Thuram after a VAR check. Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up from 12 yards, but Mike Maignan produced another brilliant save to keep it out.
The result means that Milan jump above their city rivals and into second place, with the top of the table very congested. Saelemakers spoke at a post-match press conference and to the club’s official media channels after the 1-0 victory, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
You’ve returned to Milan, and you are an established starter…
“It’s a wonderful thing for me. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better return to Milan. These were two special years for me away from Milan.
“I have a great love for Milan, but I learned a lot, I matured, and I came back with more responsibility and a desire to truly show who I was. I’m very happy and I’ll continue like this.”
The fans are thinking about the Scudetto…
“From the first day I arrived at Milan, they immediately talked to me about the derby, and it stuck in my head. I know it’s a game you don’t have to play, but win.
“That’s why we always go onto the pitch with this mentality, and we proved it today. The fans demand a lot from us. We’ll see where we are at the end of the season.”
Roma, Bologna and Milan are at the top, your three teams in Italy. Are they Scudetto-worthy?
“Everyone will be competing this year, then we’ll see who’s better on the pitch. We don’t look at the standings so much, but we work hard during the week to prepare for the matches, proving we’re a united group.”
Are there any Scudetto vibes in the dressing room?
“Well, we have a coach who’s won a lot and therefore knows what it takes to win. And then, the sense of family that I found in the Scudetto year is very much present this year. It’s up to us to prove that we can continue like this.”
Another big match won…
“Winning against the big teams always makes a bigger difference. Now let’s enjoy this victory, but then we need to find a mental connection against the smaller teams too.”
What are your personal emotions?
“I’m very proud of this team. We did an incredible job today. We were all united, like a family, through good times and bad. A win today, in my opinion, was the best thing that could have happened. We’re very happy for all our fans and we’ll keep going.”
You were decisive in the winning goal…
“I feel everyone’s confidence this year. I’m giving my all this year to try to help the team, both defensively and offensively. For now, it’s working well. Now we have to take a step forward and be ready for the next matches.”
How did it feel to win this derby again?
“It’s wonderful. The Milan derby is incredible, and honestly, after a match like that, the emotions we feel are incredible.”
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