Theo Hernandez and the Red Card Fiasco
Matteo Gabbia, a stalwart defender for AC Milan, has come to the defense of his teammate Theo Hernandez, who was at the center of controversy following his red card in the Champions League play-off decider against Feyenoord. The Rossoneri’s exit from the tournament was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after losing the first leg 1-0 and then seeing Hernandez sent off, which significantly hampered their chances in the second leg. Gabbia expressed his solidarity with Hernandez in an interview with MilanNews.it, emphasizing that the squad is standing behind him despite the setback.
An Unexpected Exit
The loss to Feyenoord marked an unexpected and disappointing end to Milan’s Champions League aspirations for the upcoming season. The team, which has a rich history in European football, was caught off guard by the Dutch side’s resilience and strategic play. Gabbia, reflecting on the situation, noted the team’s resolve in the face of adversity. “It was not easy, but we talked and realised the only way forward at this moment is to work and give our all,” he said. The sentiment is clear: the team is focused on the future and determined to channel their disappointment into motivation for the remainder of the season.
Supporting Theo Hernandez
Theo Hernandez, known for his aggressive and passionate style of play, faced widespread criticism following his red card. However, Gabbia was quick to point out that Hernandez’s public apology, which came immediately after the game, was not necessary. “Yes, straight after the game he apologised to the squad. In my view, he didn’t even need to do it, but I know how much he cares about Milan, the fans, and everything around this club,” Gabbia explained. Hernandez’s distress was palpable, and his teammates recognized the weight of the mistake on him. Gabbia added, “He was really down. He is a champion, we know he had an off day, but also had so many positive days that allowed us to win games and trophies.”
A Team’s Resilience
Gabbia’s comments highlight the resilience of the Milan squad and the importance of supporting each other through tough times. Theo Hernandez’s contributions to the team have been immense, and Gabbia’s stance underscores the team’s belief in his ability to bounce back. “Theo has all our support, letting him realise that he made a mistake, but there is nothing more to add. He has Milan in his heart and will certainly prove that in future,” Gabbia said. This statement not only shows the team’s cohesion but also their confidence that Hernandez will continue to play a crucial role in their domestic campaigns.
Identifying Areas for Improvement
In the aftermath of the Champions League exit, both the head coach, Sergio Conceicao, and special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, have called for more consistency from the team. Gabbia acknowledged the coach’s honesty in addressing the issues. “The coach is very honest with us on what we need to improve. Zlatan, and the club, have always been by our side in good and bad. Zlatan spoke and obviously I cannot tell you what he said in the locker room, because these situations should remain between us,” he said. The club’s support and constructive feedback are crucial in helping the team regroup and refocus on their goals.
The Serie A Battle
With the exit of Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta from the Champions League play-offs, only Inter Milan remains in contention for a European spot. This development has significant implications for Serie A, as it is now almost certain that the league will lose its fifth slot in the Champions League for the next season. Gabbia, aware of the challenge ahead, emphasized the importance of securing a top-four finish in Serie A. “With the exit of Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta, it is going to be a tight battle including the Rossoneri to secure that spot. We have objectives and the moral duty to give our all for ourselves and the fans,” he concluded. The team is determined to stay competitive and ensure they remain a force in Italian football.
