Dida discusses Fonseca, Leao, Reijnders and why Maignan will ‘become the best’ | OneFootball

Nelson Dida has praised AC Milan star Mike Maignan, who he believes can and will become the strongest goalkeeper in the world.

Maignan arrived at Milan from Lille in the summer of 2021 and had the tough task of replacing the outgoing Gianluigi Donnarumma who left to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free. The Frenchman actually worked with Dida, who was the goalkeeping coach for one season.

The Brazilian is someone who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, given that in his ten-year spell with Milan from 2000 to 2010 he was widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world.

The accolades certainly helped his case too as he won the Champions League with the Rossoneri in 2003 against Juventus (when he was the hero in the penalty shootout) and in 2007 against Liverpool.

Dida took part in the padel tournament organised as part of the 12th edition of the Aspria Charity Open yesterday and he spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his former club.

Was Saturday’s performance the most convincing so far?

“It was an important performance, in a season that started with ups and downs. I think I see more confidence and greater communication between the technical staff and the players. I hope this growth continues and that the results are better and better.”

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Did the Devil wake up too late to think about the Scudetto?

“Now there is no point in looking at the standings: we need to think game by game, point by point. We need to find that consistency of performance that has been missing so far, but in this respect I am optimistic.

“The defensive phase is growing and Milan will return to the top, as is the tradition of this club. The Rossoneri will also be protagonists in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.”

But Napoli are not slowing down…

“Napoli and Inter are the strongest, even if the league is balanced and many teams are going strong. Milan have dropped a few points along the way, but I’m optimistic: little by little they will return close to the top.”

They will need the best version of Rafael Leao…

“I see him happier and, if Rafa stays on point and smiles, he can really make the difference. He is a fundamental player for the team and it is important that he feels the trust in him.”

Reijnders, on the other hand, has been playing at his best since the beginning of the season…

“He’s a great midfielder, one of the best around. He does everything well and is also making a good contribution in the finishing phase.”

Maignan did not concede against Juve and Empoli. For a goalkeeper, that is a great sign right?

“I have no doubts about Mike because I trained him and I am convinced that he will become the best in the world. He is very strong between the posts and Fonseca’s game, which involves him even more, will enhance his skill with the ball at his feet.”

Do you advise Maignan to renew as Matteo Gabbia did?

“He has to stay. We can’t lose him!”

Is Fonseca the right coach for the project?

“The team is assimilating his game and it seems to me that the players are going to attack the opponents higher up the pitch. Fonseca’s work is visible.”

Will Friday’s match against Atalanta be the match of truth?

“It will be important to confirm that the team is growing. I continue to support Milan to go far. It will be tough against Atalanta, but I am confident.”