Olivier Giroud is hopeful that Charles de Ketelaere will find the back of the net in AC Milan’s second leg against Tottenham on March 8.
Milan will travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a slender lead, with Brahim Diaz’s seventh-minute strike proving the difference between the two sides at the San Siro.
The Serie A club had squandered several opportunities to add to their lead in Italy, none more gilt-edged than the one that fell to De Ketelaere on 78 minutes, with the Belgian failing to convert a header from point-blank range.
The 21-year-old has not had the start he would have hoped for to his career at Milan after making a £31m switch from Club Brugge last summer.
The youngster is yet to open his account in a Rossoneri shirt in 27 appearances across all competitions but Giroud, who knows a thing or two about scoring against Tottenham, backed his strike-partner to deliver in the second leg.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker told DAZN (24/02/23 as relayed by Gazzetta dello Sport and SportWitness): “After the header against Tottenham, I hugged De Ketelaere.
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“It’s in these difficult moments that we have to show our support to our teammates: they currently lack confidence and spontaneity, he needs a goal to change everything.
“I wanted him to score too because against Sampdoria, they disallowed his goal for my offside. It’s my fault he hasn’t already unlocked himself. I hope he scores against Tottenham in London.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Even though Tottenham’s performance in the first leg left a lot to be desired, Milan did not really show anything that would concern Antonio Conte’s men.
The Lilywhites will believe that they will beat Stefano Pioli’s side in the second leg as long as they play at their best.
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