Rabiot and Maignan praise Milan ‘mentality’ after victory at Como
Adrien Rabiot reveals some of his Milan goals against Como were straight off the training ground, while Mike Maignan said he wants to experience many more nights like this for the club.
This Week 16 fixture was originally meant to be played in December, but rescheduled due to the Supercoppa Italiana commitments.
It was the worst possible start at the Stadio Sinigaglia, going behind to an early Marc-Oliver Kempf header on a corner.
However, Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time and Mike Maignan made a series of spectacular saves, with Rabiot scoring a rare brace in the second half for the 3-1 result.
Rabiot and Maignan impressed with Milan fightback
“This was a team victory, we showed our mentality,” Rabiot told DAZN Italia clutching his Lega Serie A Man of the Match award.
“We suffered a lot in the first half, but we talked during the break, came out with a different mentality, we all came out fighting for the three points. We gave something extra and I am very happy to score two goals, obviously, but above all I’m pleased with the mentality of the team.”
The strike from distance was something that Milan had tested out on the training ground over the last few days, and it paid off.
“It’s true, we trained on this and I didn’t score many of them! I’m glad, because we managed to use in the match what we prepared in training. Above all, I’m happy because we never gave up, including the younger players. Even when we go behind, we stay in the game,” added Rabiot.
This victory means Milan are within three points of leaders Inter and break away from the chasing pack, as Napoli are three points behind, then Juventus and Roma one beyond them.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Como 1-3 Milan
“We knew that playing here would be difficult, we were well-prepared. We started a little sluggish and they scored, but we managed to keep the game open, and then all together started to play as a team,” Maignan told DAZN Italia.
“We scored when we had the opportunities, closed up at the back, and that allowed us to get the three points this evening. Rabiot scored two great goals, he won the penalty, but it’s more than that, the work he does for the team that we see.”
Maignan was also decisive with a series of spectacular saves, so which was the toughest for him this evening?
“I think my best save was the one on Da Cunha.”
The interviewer was trying to push Maignan to confirm he will remain and extend his current deal, but needed a little help from fellow Frenchman Rabiot on understanding the hint.
“We know these are great nights for Milan with an atmosphere like this. We suffered, we used up a lot of energy and left it all on the field.”
Does it make him want to experience many more nights like this in future?
“Of course, yes,” replied the goalkeeper who is negotiating a new contract. “What he said.”