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Strahinja Pavlovic has shed some light on his AC Milan team-mates from Serbia’s training camp, including one who is a ‘robot’.
Pavlovic was linked with a potential exit during the summer window despite having only joined Milan in the 2024 summer mercato. However, he has become a permanent fixture in the starting XI this season, with Massimiliano Allegri placing his faith in him since his arrival.
He is consistently deploying the Serbian from the start in a three-man defence alongside Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori. The improved defensive record suggests that it is working, even though there are always things to improve on as the 2-2 draw with Parma on Saturday showed.
‘Milan is a huge club’
To celebrate his 50th cap for the national team, Pavlovic spoke to the Serbian Football Federation’s official channel and he shed a bit of light on life at Milan, with his comments via MilanNews.
What’s the most impressive stadium you’ve played in?
“San Siro. Absolutely. On Thursday I’ll be playing at Wembley for the first time, but I’m almost certain it can’t compare to the San Siro. The Milan stadium is a true temple of football.”
Who’s the most stylish Milan player?
“I wouldn’t say Rafa Leão (laughs). No, he’d be last. I’d say… me! I like my style. Rafa has his own style, very unique – just look at his Instagram. Milan offers so many options: it’s easy to dress however you like and feel comfortable.”
Your celebration after scoring against Roma…
“Yes, I wanted to take advantage of that moment to celebrate the goal and ‘announce’ that I’m soon to be a father. Another wonderful thing for me and my family. For now, everything’s going great, and I hope it stays that way.
“The due date is set for April… and if we can also qualify for the World Cup play-offs before then, it would be perfect!”
How is this season going?
“Milan is a huge club. When we win, there’s no more beautiful place in the world than Milan the day after the match. But we have to keep our feet on the ground, because everything can change quickly.
“Serie A is very balanced this year: many teams are fighting for the Scudetto and the top four spots. We have to stay focused and, with a bit of luck, we can achieve great things.”
The derby is coming up after the break…
“As for Inter, last season I played three of the five games against them and we never lost. I’d like to see that positive streak continue, but we all know how strong Inter are.”
What is it like playing with Luka Modric?
“No one has an explanation for him, I wish I had one! I often ask him: ‘Are you okay? Come on, tell me the secret!’ He’s an extraordinary person, and there’s no need to even talk about his footballing qualities. He gives us so much, he’s brought us the confidence we were lacking.
“When I pass him the ball, I know I don’t have to worry about anything anymore. It’s incredible that at 40, he’s in such good shape. Now, for example, since we have a week between games, the coach often includes the gym on the third day, with double sessions.
“I remember that at Partizan, the gym was almost non-existent for the more experienced players. But he does everything, like a robot.”
And what is it like playing under Massimiliano Allegri?
“I was very disappointed after the opening defeat against Cremonese. I felt like this could be a great season, and then you lose the first one at home, conceding two goals from two half-chances… I was feeling down.
“The next day I met him and he told me to relax, that it was only the beginning. I replied: ‘Yes, but we can’t concede two goals like that.’ And he said: ‘Don’t worry, you’re 24, you’re still young for a defender, everything will be fine.’
“He has an excellent approach with the players, he speaks often with everyone in the dressing room, he’s a very positive person. That’s another of his great strengths.”
English (US) ·