Maignan previews Supercup but avoids questions on Milan future: ‘Don’t think it’s the time’

Mike Maignan says that Milan are fully focused on their Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Napoli on Thursday evening, but was unwilling to discuss his Rossoneri future during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon: ‘I don’t think it’s the time’. 

The Rossoneri will take on reigning Serie A champions in the opening match of the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening. That will be followed by the Bologna vs. Inter semi-final on Friday night. The winners of those two ties will meet in the final on Monday evening. 

Milan are the reigning Supercoppa Italiana champions. They claimed victory in Sergio Conceicao’s first two matches in charge of the club last winter, shortly after he was announced as the successor to Paulo Fonseca. 

Much has changed for Milan since then, including their head coach and coaching staff. With no European football this season, and having recently lost 1-0 to Lazio in the Coppa Itlaia, this is now Milan’s only chance of silverware outside the Serie A title race. 

“We won it last year, but last year is over now. This is a new path, we have to focus only on tomorrow’s game, it’s the most important. Without a win tomorrow night, there’s no chance for Monday,” Maignan told the press ahead of Milan’s opener against Napoli.

“If we want to get a positive result, we have to stay focused in training today and get to tomorrow in good shape.

“It was nice to win it last season, but this is a new season now. Our results are better at the moment (compared to last year). As my teammates have all said, we’re more of a team this year, more of a family, a group that works well together. 

“Lots of things have changed. The coach and his staff have brought a lot of calmness about the way we work. We have to carry on at this pace, improve every day and try to pick up positive results.” 

Maignan also faced questions on his Milan future given that his contract is up at the end of the 2025-26 season. There have already been transfer links to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Chelsea, but Maignan says that this is not the time to be discussing the next steps in his career. 

“Of course there is a lot of talk about my future, but it’s not something that bothers me. I have to be focused to give my best. I don’t think it’s the time to talk about my future today, we’re very close to an important game. I have to give it my all tomorrow night and see what happens next,” he said. 

Maignan was also asked what it is like for the players to play the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia rather than in Italy. 

He said: “It’s something a bit different. We’re focused on the game, I don’t think we’ll be concerned with what happens in the stadium, we have to think about the football that we play and doing what the coach asks of us. 

“It will definitely be a good game, I experienced it last year. These are passionate fans. We have to give out best, that’s the most important thing.” 

And what is Maignan’s message for the Milan supporters in Riyadh? 

“It’s a very simple message: Thank you for supporting Milan. I believe we will give our best for all of you who are here to support us.”