Zapata: “When I’m concentrated, nobody can get past me”, Abate: “There’s a very strong bond with Miha”

Ignazio Abate and Cristian Zapata believe Milan can make third after getting a positive result against Napoli.

Abate and Zapata put in last night what many fans consider to be their performance in recent memory. The Italian right back and Colombian center back played a key part in stopping Gonzalo Higuain and co. as the Rossoneri got a 1-1 draw at the San Paolo Stadium.
“I am happy with my performance. It was not easy, but I am enjoying a positive moment. I no longer have any personal problems and I am happy about the match and about playing my part for the team,” Zapata told the Milan Channel at the end of the match.
“We had to give a top-level performance and we did exactly that. This is a good result against a great side that is in good form. I am training well and ready when called upon. We’re now set to face teams that we have to collect points from. We are all focused on doing well and improving our position in the table.”
Speaking to Sky Italia, Cristian – who replaced Alessio Romagnoli in the starting XI as the young defender had the flu – added: “When I’m concentrated, nobody can get past me. When I make a mistake, I am the first to get really downhearted, but I have to maintain concentration for 90 minutes and I’m working on it. I am improving. I am training well and always ready when the Coach needs me.
“We must continue like this because there’s a long way to go. This Milan can make it to third place. We have to improve our play and move the ball around more, but we are on the right track.”

Abate said: “We’re on the right track but we’re still sixth so there is still a way to go. Mihajlovic? There is a very strong bond with Coach, very strong. We went through a terrible time and all came together around him to prove we’re a team with a soul. We wanted to win on Monday for the Coach, the President and the fans. I actually think with a little more determination we could’ve won here in the final 10 minutes.
We dropped too many points by the wayside earlier this year and lacked the belief to challenge everyone. It’s never easy to chase, but we have to be ready in case someone slips up ahead of us. The goal conceded? Unfortunately the ball came off my thigh & when it bounced off the ground it picked up pace.
“It was an avoidable goal, but an unlucky one. Honda? I was hoping he would give me the ball [on a certain occasion] but I can’t say anything because he helps me a lot in defense.”

“We have a soul but there is still a lot to improve, especially in the head and the level of belief,” he told Sport Mediaset Premium. “This game should give us confidence because Juventus and Napoli are playing in a league of their own, although we can play with everyone and we’re not inferior to anyone.
“We played a great game in defense, without Kucka and Honda it would’ve been more difficult. We are a united group. The road is still long.” The next match is against Torino on Saturday evening at San Siro.