ZUFRAN Asghar has challenged Real Milan to remain as determined as ever in their bid to retain the Premier Division title this season.

Milan won the league and Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup double last season, but Asghar believes that success has put a target on their backs.

Speaking to the Observer, the assistant manager explained: “Our aim is like always, to go into every game looking to win, see where we can go and where it takes us at the end of the season.

“We hope to do well in the FA Sunday Cup, retain the league and Berks & Bucks Cup, plus do better in the other cup competitions.

“We’ve got to make sure we have a big squad and that everyone can chip in when they are called upon.

“The league has been changing throughout the summer but we’re down to a reasonable number of teams.

“We don’t know much about Phoenix Old Boys [Sunday. 10.30am] but the opposition will be up for it so we’ve got to be at our best to get the result we want.

“When teams come up against Real Milan their aim is to beat us and being the champions that will not change, so we’ve got to be as determined if we want to win these games.”

Milan began the defence of their league title with a 7-3 win against Maidenhead Crown at Arbour Park on Sunday thanks to goals from Riccardo Cannon, Kyle Lucas, Calvin Morgan, Conrad Joseph, Amin Khomsi, Rushid Hamid and Jermaine Payne.

Commenting on the win, Asghar said: “It was a nice little start to the season. Maidenhead came out of the blocks quickly, as did we, excited to play at Arbour Park.

“An early goal settled our nerves then we got into a flow and score more. We were 5-0 up at half-time.

“We made changes and Maidenhead got a few goals back, but it was a good start to the season with new and returning players coming in and getting minutes. Everyone was happy and the result was good.”

Milan have also entered the FA Sunday Cup this season and Asghar is excited to pit his team against others from areas such as Middlesex and London.

He said “We’ve got the players to do well. The level they play at on a Saturday will definitely help so we will try to go as far as we can and see what happens.

“We’re trying a different environment. It is the first time we’ve entered the competition because you need a stadium with a bar plus programmes.”

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