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Milan, ex-player Donadoni on Maignan: “A shorter one
Leagues 12 August 2026

Milan, ex-player Donadoni on Maignan: “A shorter one

Former AC Milan player Roberto Donadoni reflects on the team's recent performances and Maignan and Rabiot's delayed return from their holiday, highlighting the importance of good rest.

Milan, ex-player Donadoni about Maignan: "A shorter one

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Background

Mike Maignan, as AC Milan's first-choice goalkeeper, has an important role in the team. His return after the holidays could have a significant impact on the club's defensive stability in Serie A. Fans are hoping that his presence will help the team to perform better after the disappointing defeat to Chelsea.

Why this matters

The return of Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot after their extra holiday is crucial for AC Milan's season prospects. Their absence during preparation can impact team dynamics and overall performance in Serie A. Donadoni emphasizes that mental rest is just as important as physical preparedness, especially after intense tournaments such as the World Cup.

Key points

  • Milan, ex-player Donadoni about Maignan: "A shorter one.
  • Roberto Donadoni, ex-AC Milan player, reflects on the team's recent performances and Maignan and Rabiot's delayed return from their holiday, highlighting the importance of good rest.
  • Milan, l'ex Donadoni: "Maignan? Da capitano, accorciandosi le vacanze avrebbe dato un input".

Roberto Donadoni, a legendary former AC Milan player, has given his view on the club's recent problems under coach Ruben Amorim. After a disappointing 0-3 defeat to Chelsea and with Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot not returning until after the summer break, many Milan fans have been concerned. However, Donadoni, who played almost 400 games for the Rossoneri, has qualified the supporters' concerns.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, he stated that the loss to Chelsea should not be seen as an alarm bell. "For years there have been high-level matches in July and if the condition is not optimal, defeat can occur. Especially against a strong opponent like Chelsea, especially if you have some national players who are not yet in top form or are even completely absent," said Donadoni.

He added: "These aren't real alarm bells because these kinds of matches played thousands of miles from Italy are often more gigs than serious league matches. Of course, losing is never fun, but with no points at stake you can look at it differently."

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Regarding the return of Maignan and Rabiot, who have been given extra holidays, Donadoni said: "These are agreements between the club and players who took part in the World Cup. I don't want to get into the discussion, but it is important that players get some extra rest sometimes because mental fatigue can outweigh physical fatigue."

He further explained: "If they are managed properly, extra rest days and fewer training sessions can even be beneficial. However, when they return they will need to deliver important performances on the pitch."

Despite this, some fans believe that four extra days of vacation may have been too much. Donadoni responded"If Maignan had returned earlier, by shortening his holiday, he would have sent an important message, especially as there is a new coach and the captain plays a crucial role. But we must also take into account the mental pressure that follows a difficult season, which ended in disappointment for both Maignan and Rabiot. Remember that players also work hard in their spare time. I am confident they will be ready for the competition."

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What's happening now

With the start of the new season in Serie A, it is important that Maignan and Rabiot quickly get back into top form. Milan will need their experience and skills to make a strong start and allay fans' concerns. The coming weeks will be crucial for the team to prepare for the competitive challenges ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Milan and Chelsea?

Milan lost 0-3 to Chelsea.

How does the defeat against Chelsea affect Milan's position in Serie A?

The defeat has no direct impact on the Serie A standings, as it was a friendly match with no points at stake.

When will Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot return to Milan?

Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot will not return until after the summer break.

What does Roberto Donadoni say about the concerns of Milan fans?

Donadoni nuances the fans' concerns and states that the defeat against Chelsea should not be seen as an alarm bell.

Why did Maignan and Rabiot get extra vacation?

They received extra vacation because of their participation in the World Cup, which was an agreement between the club and the players.

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