22 February 2023
At the Stade de la Beaujoire, Massimiliano Allegri and Manuel Locatelli answered the questions put to them by the journalists gathered in the pre-match press conference for the return leg of the Europa League play-offs.
Both the coach and the midfielder made it clear that the aim is to make it to the knock-out stages proper.
MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI
"We have to pass the first qualifying round, given that in the last three years we have gone out in the last 16 of the Champions League. As for the percentages, I say that tomorrow is a final, a one-off match, especially now that away goals are no longer worth double. We are playing for a place in the next round at their home - the atmosphere will be intense. Nantes have [Ludovic] Blas who is good, he's left-footed, then the forwards will also return. It won't be easy, winning away is difficult, especially in Europe.
"Unfortunately [Federico] Chiesa hasn't made it, but when you've been out for ten months, you know that there may be niggles that condition you. Anyway, we can't play with three up front, not with the possibility of the game lasting 120 minutes. We need substitutions with certain characteristics.
"It doesn't just depend on the experience of [Angel] Di Maria and [Leandro] Paredes. The whole team must play a solid match in terms of the technical aspect and their approach. We mustn't concede what we conceded to them in the first leg. Last Thursday we played a good game. They scored with one of their two chances - they are good on the counterattack.
"We are relaxed. We are approaching the match as it should be even if it won't be easy. We have to be ready to play for 90 minutes - let's hope it's enough, that's our goal."
MANUEL LOCATELLI
"The first leg result was not positive, so we are here to win and go through. We are ready, the Europa League is an objective. We haven't performed well in Europe, we're aware of it. So, we'll have to be smart and not go out there with the wrong attitude.
"It will take intelligence. We have to remain lucid all match, being switched on for 90 minutes and beyond. The stadium will be full - these are the best matches to play. We've got to turn the atmosphere to our favour.
"I try to lead by example. There are many leaders in this team and this is the important thing."
