2 weeks ago
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Youssouf Fofana has insisted that AC Milan have to think about competing to win the Scudetto every year because of the history of the club.
Milan have certainly made a positive start to the season with four wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening six games. After moving temporarily top of the table following the win over champions Napoli, a draw against Juventus before the break saw the Rossoneri drop to third.
Optimism is high that this squad with Massimiliano Allegri can at the very least secure a Champions League spot again. However, with each good result belief begins to grow that Milan can repeat Napoli’s feat from last season and win the league after a terrible 2024-25.
‘It’s normal to think about the Scudetto’
Fofana has been a mainstay in the side under Allegri. He went to visit sick children at the Buzzi Hospital in Milan and as part of the event he answered some questions from Sky, with his words via MilanNews.
How was it seeing the children?
“It was very emotional for me, but it was a beautiful morning. It’s true, I saw so many smiles from the children: I brought joy to them, yes, but they did the same for me.
“There were more Milan fans than fans of other teams! It was truly beautiful. I’m happy they chose me to be here representing Milan. It’s an even greater honour.”
How do you like Milan as a city?
“Good, even though I’m a person who stays at home a lot. I can stay in Milan, or in the guesthouse, in the end it doesn’t change much. But I have to say one thing, I really like the people here: there’s a lot of respect towards the players. It makes me feel good and it makes my family feel good too.”
What are the differences from last year?
“We definitely have more time to prepare for the matches: we play one a week, we have to be 100% focused on Milan, give it our all, game after game. The coach has changed things, as have the new players. And the fans have returned to the stadium.”
What has Allegri changed?
“The team’s mentality. After last year, we were a bit down: we wanted to do more than we did. The coach arrived with a desire to do well, he instilled more confidence in the team, and he immediately made us understand that we’ll see the results at the end.”
What’s special about this Milan?
“It’s hard to say, because I don’t really feel anything different from last year. I feel like we’ve improved on what we had last season. For example, last year we were happy, now we’re happier. We have more desire to do things well.”
Is the Scudetto an aim?
“Like every player on this team, we have to think about the Scudetto. Every year. It’s normal. We work for this, we go out there to win every game, and we’ll settle the score at the end. We thought about this before the start of the season.
“I don’t want to say that the goal is only the Scudetto, that if we don’t achieve it, the season is a failure. But if we win it, after what happened last year, it will be a great joy for the group.”
Did Allegri tell you this too?
“He doesn’t need to convey these concepts. It’s normal for us: we play for Milan, it’s normal to think about the Scudetto.”
There have been some injuries during the break…
“I have faith in the entire group: the players who will be there on Sunday will work well, even in place of the injured ones. Everyone knows what needs to be done. Pulisic and Saelemaekers are great players who have started the season wonderfully, but I have faith in all my teammates.”
Are you hoping for a France recall?
“I definitely want to return to the national team. But the team is doing well now. I’m working to be ready.”
What advice do you have for Leao?
“He shouldn’t expect anything from me: I have no more experience than him. I just give him my trust: when Rafa is in good spirits, he does things on the pitch that no one else can do. I hope that when he’s 100%, he’ll do well and help the team.”
Do you feel like you’re a bit of a Milan fan?
“Very much so!”
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