Maldini: 'Milan must target Champions League'

Technical director Paolo Maldini insists Milan have made ‘important efforts to improve our position’ and believes the Rossoneri must fight for a place in the Champions League.

Milan have been busy in recent weeks and despite having medicals scheduled for Sandro Tonali and Brahim Diaz this week, Maldini says the negotiations with 38-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the ‘most difficult’.

“The transfer market has just started but we have continued with various operations,” Maldini told Sky Sport Italia. “The most difficult was undoubtedly the renewal of Ibrahimovic, but it was also our priority.

“The results speak for him. The importance of Zlatan is not only on the pitch, but he has brought a competitiveness to Milanello.

“He’s 38 years old, we know, and he knows too, but everyone ages in their own way. For example, I won my last Champions League at 39, also winning the award for best defender of the competition.”

Brahim Diaz has landed in Milan to sign with the Rossoneri on a one-year loan deal.

“He’s a player who can play in various positions in the attack, he’s a player who can make the difference.”

Maldini believes Milan must fight for a place in the Champions League.

“It’s not a declared objective but it must be our target. The club has made important efforts to improve our position in the table.

“The idea is to return to the top four. Many things would change next year. It’s not a declared objective, but Milan can’t help but think about competing for the top four positions in Serie A.”

The Rossoneri have a young squad and Maldini said the incoming players are arriving to help the youngsters in the squad.

“Some players are ready immediately, some need time. We aim to insert players to help the growth of these young players.

“The line drawn is clear: there’s no team model that has been successful. Investments are aimed at helping the youngsters grow.

“We have sporting and economic indications; our salary levels have dropped for two years now. If we accompany these choices with results at the height of Milan, we will have done a good job.”

The first Derby della Madonnina against Inter arrives in Serie A Week 4, on October 8, with the return leg set for February 21. The full fixture list for Serie A 2020-21 is now available HERE.

“Last year we lost two Derbies, the second in a sensational way, playing much better. The gap up to Inter seemed to have increased, let’s see now.”

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