3 months ago
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Antonio Nocerino believes that Luka Modric is a signing that can make a real difference for AC Milan, while he also recalled his bond with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
As a former midfielder, Nocerino knows what it takes to win at Milan and to be a difference maker in the middle of the park. It is an area that the Rossoneri have overhauled this summer, given the sale of Tijjani Reijnders which then required a rebuild.
Igli Tare’s move was to secure the additions of Modric, Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari for the midfield. The three are potentially new starters, and could get their first run-out tonight in the Coppa Italia game against Bari.
Nocerino spoke in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport about current events at his former club, including some of the business done this summer.
We can’t help but start with Modric…
“It goes without saying that he brings tremendous quality, experience, and leadership. He’ll be good for everyone because he’s bringing a key figure into the dressing room.
“What impresses me most about him is that, at nearly 40 years old, he’s still playing a high number of games while maintaining a high level. That is, his performance average is high. Many think that Milan signed him primarily for image reasons.
“A serious mistake; he is the essence of football, and for me, he’s an impressive player. I realised his level of professionalism when Real Madrid came here [to Orlando] on tour in the summer two years ago.”
Tell us…
“I’ve watched a few training sessions: he’s going 2,000 mph, and they were very intense sessions. I’ll just say one thing: he’s doing a different sport. It’s devastating.”
With Milan coming out of a deep depression, Luka would seem to be the most suitable medicine…
“Milan made an important choice because he’s someone who gives you a 360-degree contribution: on the pitch, in the dressing room, and in the image. And AC Milan needs people like that, especially because the team has young players with great, yet untapped talent.
“They need someone who, beyond the coach, can bring that out. Players like Modric, just like Ibra, are the ones who give coaches a huge hand in this regard. The boys need to understand that talent alone won’t get you anywhere.
“In my opinion, with someone like Modric who always gives 110 percent and a coach like Allegri who, I assure you, is someone who demands a lot and doesn’t mince his words, the path for these boys is the right one.”
Tactical question: Where would you place him in a 4-3-3?
“A midfielder, but… in his own way. Like he did at Real Madrid with Casemiro and Kroos: a midfielder, yes, but he’d go and get the ball and create play. He’s someone who drops deep and rotates into various positions.
“If Allegri uses him like this, with Jashari or Ricci in front of the defense, then he needs a capable midfielder on the other side. The important thing is that his teammates understand his tactical intelligence…”
Modric has signed for one season, the one that will take him to the World Cup: do you think there would be room for him to stay at Milanello, if everything goes well?
“On an environmental level, he’ll be in a great place. Let’s always remember that anyone who comes to Milan never wants to leave.
“For him, it will be more of a personal choice: when you decide to move year after year, it’s precisely to give yourself the opportunity to do what you think is best for yourself. That said, why not?”
So, is Modric the ‘Milan lifter’ like Ibra in 2020?
“Certainly. I’m thinking, for example, of how much good it could do for someone like Leao, who needs to make that definitive step everyone’s waiting for. Luka is living proof that to stay at a high level for all these years, it’s not enough just to play well. Then there’s everything else.”
The hope is that he can do with Rafa what Ibra was only partially able to do…
“Of course, but Leao has to do his bit too. But I’m absolutely convinced that Allegri will give him an incredible year. I’ve seen a different perspective in Rafa; he’s a different man. He doesn’t know how good he is yet, but he needs to help himself first.”
Ricci is also highly anticipated in midfield.
“He’s one of those players you might underestimate a bit because you don’t see him. He’s very straightforward, not flashy, but solid, humble, and serious. He’s very strong; he was Torino’s captain.
“I really like him because he has personality and is intense. I think he’s a great signing, and I hope he does well for the national team.”
And then there’s Jashari: soap opera with a happy ending.
“He’s a great player, and there’s a reason why Milan has been so persistent in his pursuit. He has tremendous quality and talent, and he can also play multiple positions in midfield. The Rossoneri midfield is a quality one, which will please Allegri greatly: he loves them.”
There are also those who are no longer part of the project, like Bennacer and Adli.
“I like both of them, I think they’re very strong: if Milan have chosen this way, I imagine they want a change in the dressing room too, a bit of fresh air.”
Loftus-Cheek and Fofana are the two runners as mentioned earlier to complete the three in midfield…
“Loftus can and must score more goals. He has an incredible change of pace, he’s a Premier League player; when he gets going, he towers over you. I hope he can have a great year. Fofana is also top-notch.”
So your ideal three-man midfield would be…
“From right: Loftus-Cheek, Ricci and Modric.”
Earlier you talked about Allegri and his expectations: do you like Max’s return to Milan?
“Very much. He’s a demanding coach who really values technique and quality. He’s obviously changed and grown a lot in recent years.
“This mix he’s creating between a three-man and four-man line is very interesting; knowing how to vary depending on the opponents is a plus. He’s undergoing a very interesting tactical evolution.”
What’s your strongest memory of him?
“Aside from the fact that he’s an excellent team manager, I’d say he doesn’t care about comments and preconceptions. I found myself throwing myself onto the pitch despite having much stronger teammates in front of me.
“He’s true to himself, he goes his own way, whether you like it or not. He’s not the type to tell you one thing and then do another, as sometimes happens. He knows how to achieve your goals.”
The tandem with Tare is working well…
“I’m very happy they’ve brought in a talented sporting director. Tare is very good, he knows the players, he works well, he’s discovered several potential players, and he’s done a fantastic job at Lazio. His arrival should be seen as a super transfer; he’s a manager who builds connections.”
And what about your old friend Ibra? How do you see him in his new role?
“Last year he acted as a lightning rod, taking on blame he perhaps didn’t have. Zlatan is someone who knows football, and he can be a significant help to Tare too because he knows the players’ qualities. That said, I still don’t know exactly what role he plays…”
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