AC Milan is facing pivotal moments as they prepare for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff against Feyenoord. Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat in the first leg, pressure mounts on the Rossoneri as they seek to secure their place in the Round of 16. Technical director Geoffrey Moncada discussed the team's current dynamics and challenges, particularly their pursuit of Joao Felix on loan from Chelsea.
"We are happy because everyone is here today. We got the first leg wrong, but today we are on home turf and it is the right moment to do something important," Moncada told Sky Sport Italia. The match is set to kick off at 17.45 GMT at the iconic San Siro, creating what Moncada hopes will be a dramatic turnaround for the squad.
One significant element of Milan's strategy was the recruitment of Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord during the January transfer window, which Moncada described as challenging. "We have known him for many years, we worked with him and his agent before. The Dutch clubs are very hard to sign players from; we always need to argue a little bit," he explained. This encounter is particularly significant, as both teams are vying for advancement, adding extra pressure to the negotiations made prior to the first leg.
Milan's squad saw considerable transformation during the January transfer window, with new signings including Gimenez all starting for the team. Moncada acknowledged this shift by asserting, "We need to score at least two goals to go through and we feel confident." This demonstrates the urgency and the expectations facing the club as they aim to restore their Champions League status.
Joao Felix's role has also been pivotal for Milan since his arrival on loan from Chelsea. His integration aims to address the creative gaps within the team, with Moncada commenting, "We were lacking creativity in the squad, so we thought of Joao Felix, who already knew the coach." His performances have sparked discussions about potentially extending his stay at the club beyond the current season.
Moncada hinted at the possibility of making Felix's loan permanent, noting, "It also depends on him and us; we'll see how things are going." This reflects Milan's intention to build around players who can contribute significantly to the team's attacking prowess. Felix has undoubtedly brought something different to the squad, according to Moncada, and his impact since arriving has been positively noted by both the coach and fans alike.
Even the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic weighed in on the speculation surrounding Felix's future. "Everything is possible. We have to make him feel good; he’s playing well, it’s just the beginning," Ibrahimovic stated. His comments indicate Milan's adaptability and potential long-term strategies as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The club's immediate goal is clear: not only to recover from their earlier defeat against Feyenoord but also to solidify their attacking line. The push for creativity was evident during the transfer window, which saw Milan not only recruit but also lose several key players, indicating the aggressive reshaping of the squad to meet the challenges of Europe.
Moncada is optimistic about the team's potential, acknowledging the weight of history resting on their shoulders. Champions League matches hold significant importance for the club, steeped in tradition and success, which necessitates consistency on the field.
His concluding remarks about Felix demonstrate Milan's openness to making strategic moves if the opportunity arises, balancing immediate performance needs with longer-term squad ambitions.
Tonight’s clash is more than just another match; it is a moment for redemption and strong performances as AC Milan aims to continue its quest for glory on the European stage. The players, including Felix, are tasked with translating the pressure and expectations of the Rossoneri fanbaseinto tangible results against Feyenoord.