Moncada on important Milan contract talks and ‘fundamental’ target for 2025

epa11916648 Players of Milan look disappointed after losing the Italian Serie A soccer match between Torino FC and AC Milan, in Turin, Italy, 22 February 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

Milan technical director Geoffrey Moncada warns tonight’s trip to Bologna is ‘fundamental’ for a top four finish, then gives updates on contract talks. ‘We cannot lose a player for free.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

This Week 9 fixture was originally set for October 2024, but called off due to flood warnings in the area around the stadium and could not be rescheduled until now because of their various commitments.

Both teams go into the game on 41 points in joint seventh position, so it is a crucial showdown for European ambitions.

“It is like a final, we got the first wrong in Turin, now we are up against a strong Bologna side, but it is fundamental that we get into the top four,” Moncada told DAZN.

“Being positive is important at this moment. We know that we are struggling, but there are many games to go, I know these players and that they can do so much more. This side has great margin for improvement and being with the staff every day is very different to being chief scout, because the psychological aspect is so important.”

Milan working on locking down star names

Moncada was also asked about the contract negotiations for several big players whose deals are running down, adding to the general sense of uncertainty.

“We worked well with the club and did everything to renew the contracts. We cannot lose a player for free when his contract runs down, so it is crucial that we are open with the players, and they are happy to remain.”

Does that mean agreements are imminent with Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders?

“We are very close, yes.”

When it comes to Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez, the situation is a little more tense, as both their deals expire in June 2026.

“It is important for them too, yes.”

Since taking charge, Sergio Conceicao has picked 16 different starting line-ups in 16 games.