Hiljemark discusses Milan’s quality, facing Allegri and match prep: “A lot to learn”

Oscar Hiljemark has been full of praise for AC Milan ahead of their clash on Friday night. However, he is aware of his team’s situation.

For Milan, once again, they will prepare for this game against Pisa with the confidence that they can win the game. However, they must be wary of their last result against the side. After all, the Nerazzurri are no pushovers.

In fact, they have drawn the most games of any team in the top European leagues with 12, which would not be terrible had they won more than one game in the division this season – a scrappy 1-0 win against Cremonese in November.

A big task at hand

As the new coach, Hiljemark comes into the job with an instant need to turn games into wins, and whilst he was a little in awe of the Rossoneri in his pre-match press conference, he is under no illusion of the task at hand.

His words to Pisa’s media have been relayed by MilanNews.

On preparing for the match…

“After just three days of training, we played well defensively. The first half wasn’t as good as I would have liked, but we did better in the second, and this week we’ve worked hard both defensively and offensively, applying a couple of playing principles specifically for the match against Milan.

“This is a fantastic group; we’ve changed the way we train a bit compared to how they were used to previously. We’ve talked and gotten to know each other better, both on and off the pitch with the players this week.”

On the need for points…

“I want to see a team that can play both phases of the game well. Everyone has to play for the team; if we work together, we have to be one with the fans and the team. Only then can we have a chance of winning.

Photos by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images and AC Milan

“I’ve seen a lot of AC Milan matches and clips; they’re a very strong team with top-quality players. I think they also have some problems and limitations, though. We could capitalise on them and take advantage of home advantage.”

On AC Milan…

“They have Modric, Leao, and Rabiot—high-quality players. I’ve missed these games. Allegri is a great coach. I started my career in Serie A, and I only have a lot to learn. I’m someone who lives for football and my job.

“When we decided to come here with my whole family, it was a lifestyle choice to do well for the club and this city. I want to live among the people, in the city centre. That means a lot to me. From now on, every game is like a final, and resilience is crucial.”