Former Milan full-back Serginho: ‘Milan deserve a UCL spot, Leao can rekindle love with goal against Juventus’

Serginho has urged Milan not to panic in the wake of Saturday’s humbling defeat to Udinese, insisting the club have more than enough quality to secure a top-four finish, and that the next two fixtures against Verona and Juventus will be the defining moments of their season.

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The former Brazilian left-back, who spent seven years at San Siro and remains one of the club’s most popular figures, was measured but optimistic in his assessment of a side that has seen their Champions League cushion shrink at an uncomfortable moment.

The loss to Udinese reduced Milan’s lead over fifth-placed Como to just five points, with six games remaining. “Not much that is strange or abnormal happened on Saturday,” Serginho said, via Gazzetta.

“This season the team has performed well against the big clubs but struggled against mid-table and smaller opposition. When Milan have to take the initiative and build play, they find it more difficult, it happened against Parma too.”

Serginho: ‘Milan must play in the Champions League’

His confidence in the broader picture, however, remains unshaken.

“Milan have their destiny in their own hands and depend only on themselves,” he said. “I don’t look at the calendar, I believe this squad has the potential to finish second or third if they return to the balance and solidity that kept them unbeaten for 24 league games. From Sunday I hope to see that team again.”

On the Leão situation, the Portuguese winger was loudly booed by the San Siro crowd, Serginho acknowledged the friction while offering a characteristically optimistic take. “San Siro is a demanding stadium that has applauded him many times when he has scored and delivered important performances,” he said. “Perhaps the whistles on Saturday will be an extra stimulus for him to show his worth in this final stretch. Sometimes one goal is enough to rekindle the love. If he scored the decisive goal against Juventus, for example…”

He was equally clear about the stakes involved. “Milan must play in the Champions League, for its history, for the club it is and for the fans it has. I am optimistic and I don’t even want to think about not being in the top four after the final day. I believe in Allegri and his players. Against Verona and Juventus we will see the real Milan. I am convinced of it.”