Simon Kjaer claims their first-leg victory over Napoli as one of the best experiences in his career, and he is now targeting a spot in the semi-finals
Simon Kjaer is excited to be back in the knockout stages of the Champions League and hopes to help Milan progress to the semi-finals. Milan are currently leading with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, and they last made it to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2006-07 season.
Milan have an impressive record of only being knocked out twice after winning the first leg of a knockout tie. Additionally, they have kept a clean sheet in their last five Champions League matches, which is the best record for any team since Manchester City in the 2020-21 season. Milan has beaten Napoli twice in April, but winning against the Serie A leaders at home will be a difficult challenge.
Kjaer relishes Champiosn League football
Kjaer is enjoying the opportunity to play in the latter stages of UEFA’s top club competition once again.
“We are very happy to be here, we deserved this chance and last time we were in this stadium, it went well, so we hope to repeat it,” Kjaer said in a press conference.
“You never know when this opportunity will come around again.
“These are evenings that stay with you for the rest of your life, whether good or bad. This is why we play football.
“The other night at San Siro was one of the best experiences of my career with our fans. It will be different tomorrow, but it gives you a sensation that you cannot find anywhere else.”
Victor Osimhen, who is Napoli’s main striker, came back from an adductor injury over the weekend but was unable to aid his team to a victory over Verona. Despite the possibility of Osimhen featuring in the starting line-up on Tuesday, Simon Kjaer does not feel apprehensive.
“We will meet Osimhen, just as we do other strikers,” he said. “It is never just the work for one defender, it is teamwork and respect.”
Stefano Pioli echoed Kjaer’s sentiment when it comes to Osimhen, who has netted 25 goals this season.
“He is such a powerful, impressive and decisive striker, so we take his characteristics into account, but at the same time we have our own way of playing football and we won’t move away from that,” said Pioli.
“We saw with previous Napoli games that a lot of it is about knowing the moment to slow down and speed up, and that is even more crucial with a player like Osimhen.”
