Filippo Maniero, coach and former player of Milan and Verona among others, gave an exclusive interview to MilanNews.it. Below are the questions and answers:
Mister, will Milan have the strength to fight back in the Champions League after the knockout against Chelsea?
"I think there are several chances to qualify for the round of 16. Milan will play two games with great motivation, they know that by winning them they should pass the round. Champions League matches are never easy but Milan have shown that they can fit in very well in this competition, I am confident."
What are your feelings about the upcoming match at home to Dinamo Zagreb?
"The match against Dinamo Zagreb in my opinion will be decisive, although Milan will not find an easy environment. By winning this one, in the last match at the San Siro there will be a chance to qualify in front of their own public, so the team will be motivated. This will be the decisive watershed."
Can Milan repeat in Verona as they did last year?
"Certainly the league says that Milan is doing well. Last year in Verona the team, despite losing, managed to win a great game. I think Milan recognizes the difficulty of the away match but is also aware that they have all the cards to win again. This I think is beyond question."
What is your assessment of Stefano Pioli's three years in charge of Milan?
"I think there is something special between Pioli and his players. You can also see it in the way they commit themselves during competitions. I think there is a mutual esteem that goes beyond soccer. There is respect and great desire to achieve goals. Pioli has been very good at creating all this, he is showing on the field all his value as a coach."
Will Leao renew his contract with Milan or will he choose to go elsewhere?
"Leao is one of the best players around. I think he is happy to stay at a team that has given him the chance to become what he has become. I think he is comfortable at Milan and has no problems. Of his future he will decide calmly and serenely but I think there has never been anything that could lead him to go elsewhere. I hope for Milan fans that he will be able to stay many years at Milan."
Origi still has not proved his worth at Milan, are you still confident about his potential?
"Everyone in Liverpool was in love with Origi and would never deprive themselves of him. He has undisputed qualities that unfortunately have not emerged in this beginning of the season also because of some physical problems. It is a bit difficult to fit him in at the right time in this already proven team but I hope that slowly he will be able to settle in. I think it's just a matter of time, sooner or later he will be able to show in Milan too what he did in Liverpool."
**What is your opinion on Olivier Giroud?
**
"I think Giroud is showing that he is a true professional. He always puts effort and dedication into every game. For what he has already done he could pull the brake already but he doesn't. This is a sign of great professionalism that only champions have. He is one of those players who in difficult moments always gives you the right support. For what he is showing I think it will still be difficult for Milan to deprive themselves of him."