Saelemaekers insists Milan are trying to achieve ‘something great’ with Allegri: “A united group”

Alexis Saelemaekers has admitted that AC Milan are not thinking about the Scudetto at present, and rather have to get back to being a ‘united group’.

Milan fell to a heavy defeat in their final preseason game, losing 4-1 to Chelsea. An Andrei Coubis own-goal and red card in the first half rather set the tone as the home side took immediate control. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap (x2) got the other goals in the rout.

It means that the first preseason of Massimiliano Allegri’s second stint ends with wins over Liverpool and Perth Glory, a draw against Leeds United and defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea. The team will return home now ahead of the start of competitive action in one week against Bari.

‘A united group’

Saelemaekers had a hand in the only goal that Milan scored at Stamford Bridge as he set up Youssouf Fofana in the second half, and he spoke to Sky after the game. His comments are via MilanNews.

What group did you find when you returned?

“Obviously, I’ve come back different than when I left. Now I’m taking on responsibilities. I’ve found a group that’s mentally calm; we’re back to zero in our heads. We work hard, even in difficult times like today; we’re trying to achieve something great.”

Can you surprise everyone with the Scudetto?

“We’re not thinking about the Scudetto right now, we’re thinking about being a united group. We don’t know what will happen next, we’ll give it our all and see what happens.”