Emanuelson: AC Milan can still qualify for Europe next season

Date: 3rd March 2014 at 10:05pm
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AC Milan midfielder Urby Emanuelson believes that the Diavolo still have a chance at qualifying for Europe next season despite currently being in tenth place on the Serie A table.

The Rossoneri, who are still in the Champions League and will be facing Atletico Madrid in their second leg round of 16 match on March 11, currently sit in tenth place in the league standings with 35 points, just six points away from breaking into the top five, and the 27-year-old is confident that his team can still make a comeback to earn a spot in Europe next season.

Emanuelson spoke to Sportal.it about Milan’s chances at achieving their goals in the Serie A and the Champions League this campaign, while also commenting on the January arrivals of Adel Taarabt and new coach Clarence Seedorf.

“What’s changed since Seedorf took over for [Massimiliano] Allegri? The mentality of the whole group has changed a bit,” said the Dutch international.

“The coach often calls on us to help each other, to trust in ourselves and to give everything on the pitch as if every match was a final.

“Can Milan make a comeback and earn a spot in Europe next season? At the time, I think reaching third place is difficult, but Europe is still in reach because we’re not far from a Europa League spot.

“I think it’s possible to make a comeback like we did last season. We must think of one game at a time and play to the fullest, as the coach asks of us, and then we’ll see.

“What do I think of Taarabt? I’ve played with him, as an opponent, in the Premier League and I assure you that even last year he already seemed strong to me!

“He really was the star of Queens Park Rangers because he’s an unpredictable player. He can jump from man to man, score at any time or even provide an assist during a game.

“I think he has the makings of a champion and I really think he can do well here at Milan, also because he’s someone who believes in himself and plays without fear.

“Is Serie A still at a high level? During the transfer markets, many top players arrived here in the Italian league.

“Even players from teams like Real Madrid, in the case of [Gonzalo] Higuain, and that says a lot about the fact that the league is still a high level tournament and definitely on the rise.

“Can we beat Atletico Madrid in Spain? I think we can do it because we played well at the San Siro, but were a bit unlucky with hitting the woodwork, first with Kaka and then with [Andrea] Poli.

“The 1-0 result is one that we can quickly overturn in Madrid. It will be enough for Milan to just play like we usually do and pay close attention, this is the proper recipe.”

 

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