Terzic knows Milan’s quality and stresses Dortmund ‘can not afford any mistakes’

Before Champions League Group F even kicked off, many dubbed AC Milan to be in the ‘Group of Death’. However, with only three points separating group leaders Borussia Dortmund and fourth-placed Newcastle United, there have been no deaths so far.

In the Bundesliga this season, Dortmund have not impressed. Nonetheless, after back-to-back wins against Newcastle United, the German outfit have a favourable position leading Group F.

However, with a visit to the San Siro against a Milan side desperate to qualify for monetary reasons and against Stefano Pioli, whose job is under speculation, Dortmund may have their biggest challenge awaiting them.

In the eyes of Milan, nothing short of a win will do on Tuesday evening. Saturday’s victory over Fiorentina did not earn the confidence of everyone at the club. Therefore, the Rossoneri need to be as close as possible to perfection in a must-win fixture. 

Edin Terzic spoke ahead of the clash from San Siro on Monday evening, and his comments were relayed by TuttoMercatoWeb. 

Firstly an update in regards to Dortmund’s injuries…

“Haller trained with the team yesterday, and he came with us, as did Adeyemi, but he did not train yesterday; he will train today, and then tomorrow we decide. Sule decided this morning not to come to Italy – in any case there are Can and Bensebaini who can play as centre-backs.

“Schlotterbeck has a bit of a cold, but his condition is better than Sule. Today, he is staying at the hotel. Tomorrow, he’ll train with us at the hotel and will be there tomorrow evening.

“Sabitzer came off in the last league game with a thigh strain. Yesterday and today, he is training on his own, tomorrow with the team, and hopefully, he’ll be fieldable tomorrow.”

How does Tuesday’s fixture compare to the game to the 4-2 victory against Borussia Monchengladbach?

“Every win helps. We were trailing and we came back, a symbol of team spirit. Tomorrow is a Champions League game against an opponent that is such that we could not afford any mistakes.”

Will Leao’s absence be an advantage?

“I am not so sure that Leao will not be there tomorrow. I am waiting for the official line-up to know. If I told you which player I would take off Milan, you would only make headlines.”

How do you expect your side to fare against Milan at the San Siro?

“I played in this stadium against Inter. I know the beauty of San Siro and its emotional impact. We know that tomorrow Milan will be able to count on their fans, as will we. This is an important stadium – we are happy to play here. We’ll have to be there from the start tomorrow because we know Milan will try to get their fans excited.”

What version of Dortmund did Milan face in the first leg?

“A very balanced and hard-fought game. In the end, Milan were very dangerous. I think both teams didn’t give their best – Pioli will agree.”

What impresses you about Milan?

“We know how much intensity PSG put in. In Germany, they say that Italian teams are very good in defence: against PSG, I saw how disciplined Milan defended, which impressed me.”

Would a draw be OK in the grand scheme of qualifying?

“Many at the beginning said that after the first game, it would be impossible for us to qualify. Now, we are first. Our goal is not to necessarily finish first, but we have the chance to do so by winning. We will do everything we can.”