Alexis Saelemaekers has said ‘we are a family’ after finding the net against Genoa in the Coppa Italia.
Milan defeated Genoa 3-1 last night to advance to the next round of the Coppa Italia and they did it thanks to their bench.
Rafael Leão (103′) and Alexis Saelemaekers (113′) came off the bench in the second half to help Milan turn the game around, as Genoa were 1-0 up until the equalizer of Olivier Giroud (74′).
“We didn’t start the game in the best possible way but then we managed to do things well,” Alexis told MilanTV at the end of the match. “We came back on in the second half with that desire to win and managed to do so and got a positive result which is what matters most.”
On his goal: “I’m an attacking player and as such, I have to score goals, and it’s important for me to be inside the box which is what happened today and when the ball gets to you inside the box, it’s easier to score; It’s what the Coach always tells me. I did so today, I scored and I’m happy for my team.”
On the next games against Spezia and Juventus: “We know that they are both tough teams to face, but we have to think one game at the time and start focusing on the next game against Spezia and think about Juve only after that but if we show on the field what the coach demands of us I think we have the opportunity to do well in these two games.”
Speaking to Sky Italia, the Belgium said: “We started the match badly, but we came back on in the second half with the desire to win. The players gave 100%, the substitutions made the difference and this is what the coach is asking for.”
On the objectives: “I think we have grown together, also with the coach. Last year we didn’t aim for the Scudetto, we had to create a good team. This season we have to aim for the Scudetto for the Coppa Italia.”
On the group: “This is what we try to create at Milanello… we are a family and it’s important for the group. The coach has put his own spin on it, he wanted a family and this is felt on the pitch.”
On dribbling: “The coach asked me to do it, I must not be afraid in 1v1. He also asks me to be certain in the offensive area and I have to understand when it’s the right or wrong time to do things.”
