Milan reaction - Clement: “We are alive in this tie”
Wed 15 February 2023, 16:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
Clement Lenglet spoke about ‘duels’ all over the pitch at the San Siro, and how we’ll ‘fight until the end’ in our UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Milan.
The France defender agreed with Antonio Conte’s description of a ‘battle’ in the first leg, won by Brahim Diaz’s early goal in a game of few clear-cut chances. That goal separates the teams as we count down to the return leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday 8 March (8pm) for a place in the quarter-finals.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY at the San Siro, Clement told us: “Yes, it was a battle, a tough game against an opponent who liked duels, liked fights. We gave them a good fight, but there were a lot of fouls, it was not an energetic game.
“We are losing 1-0 but the qualification stays open because we play at home, we have to score at least one goal to reach the qualification. It’s not over. We have to be more aggressive, maybe, in the last 30 metres, but it’s okay, we are alive and we will fight until the end.
“It’s never easy to play against this team, a strong team. We showed personality, but we have to show more personality when we have the ball when we are attacking to find the best solutions and be more clinical. We have the second leg, and we can do it.”
Clement also reiterated Antonio’s praise of our young midfielders Pape Sarr and Oliver Skipp, who impressed in what was a first start for Skippy in the competition and debut for Pape.
“I’m really happy for them,” he added. “It’s never easy to play here and to start in the Champions League with a 20 and 22 year old. They played very well, showed personality and were fighting until the end. They deserve it because they work hard. I’m very happy for them.”
