Yahoo Sports Theo Hernandez: ‘Incredible to surpass my idol’ Paolo Maldini with Milan record
Theo Hernandez admits it is emotional to ‘surpass my idol’ Paolo Maldini in the Milan history books, but the victory over Como had problems for new coach Sergio Conceicao to sort out.
The Rossoneri have made it a real habit under this tactician to complete second half comebacks, doing it in both Supercoppa Italiana clashes against Juventus and Inter, then again at the Stadio Sinigaglia.
Assane Diao had pushed Theo Hernandez back to open the scoring at the near post, but the left-back’s oddly looping volley and a Rafael Leao dinked finish turned it around for the 2-1 win.
That was also very important goal because it made Theo Hernandez the most prolific ever Milan defender in Serie A with 30 goals, leaving Maldini behind on 29.
Theo Hernandez makes Milan history
“I am very happy to make history here,” the France international told DAZN.
“Milan gave me such a warm welcome from the first day, so to surpass my idol Paolo Maldini is incredible. Now we must keep going like this and I want to continue scoring many goals for this club.”
Although the comebacks do show character, the Rossoneri are also conceding the opening goal far too often.
“I think we need to improve the way we start matches, as we tend to be too sluggish and that is not right. In the second half, we had more intensity and aggression.”
Milan are climbing back up the Serie A standings now and the showdown with Juventus on Saturday is going to say a lot about their ambitions for this season.
“The table is not reassuring at all. We are Milan, we ought to be right up there,” added Theo Hernandez.
“We went through a difficult moment, but with the Supercoppa victory and this game, we hope to earn a place in the Champions League.”
Milan will be short-staffed against Juventus on Saturday, because Alvaro Morata picked up a yellow card and is therefore suspended.
Tests are also needed on Christian Pulisic and Malick Thiaw, who limped off with muscular problems in Como.
