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Adrien Rabiot has insisted that this current AC Milan side are built to win now, with even Rafael Leao helping out in the defensive dirty work.
Rabiot returned to the starting line-up for Milan against Inter on Sunday night, and the positive trend with the Frenchman continued as he put in another excellent performance, winning his battle with Nicolo Barella in the middle of the park.
The former PSG man has a record which speaks for itself: in the six starts that he has made in 2025-26, Milan have five wins against Bologna, Udinese, Napoli, Inter and Lecce in the Coppa Italia, and one draw versus Juventus.
Not only that, but the Rossoneri have conceded one goal (a Kevin De Bruyne penalty) and zero from open play in that stretch. It shows that he is a very important balancer for Allegri, who has brought the best out of his ‘crazy horse’ again.
Rabiot: Milan ready to win now
Rabiot did an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport which was published this morning, and he spoke about why he feels that the current group at Milan have what it takes to add to the trophy cabinet.
Why are you so sure that this Milan can win?
“Because all the elements needed to do so are here: a club like Milan, a great group in the dressing room, and a great coaching staff. Now we have to work week after week, give it our all, and sacrifice ourselves. To win, you have to always give that extra something, and have the mentality the coach instills in us.”
Is Allegri an added value for Milan?
“He’s a winner, and I like his personality, his coaching style, his passion for football, and his ambition. He always gives his all, and I see myself in his way of thinking. Off the pitch, he’s always very positive, he cracks jokes, and he keeps us calm.”
You called him your ‘football dad’…
“In 2019, I chose Juventus for him. I met him months before the end of the season and immediately liked him. When I arrived in Turin, however, he was no longer there [he was sacked and replaced by Sarri]. When he returned in 2021, we created a great relationship. On and off the pitch.”
That’s why, when Milan came in for you in August, you had no doubts?
“Milan had also approached me last year, when I was a free agent, and we talked. Would the team have finished higher than eighth with me? I don’t know, but given what we’re doing now, I’d say I arrived at Milanello at the right time.
“The Rossoneri also wanted me in July, when I was at Marseille, but it was difficult for me to leave. After what happened [the episode in the locker room with Rowe], other Italian clubs contacted me, but I knew what I wanted.
“Allegri told me: ‘Let’s see what happens…’ and something really happened. I don’t know how he does it, but he also foresees… the future (laughs).”
Max calls you ‘Crazy Horse’, his assistant Landucci calls you ‘Monsieur’, in France and Turin you were ‘The Duke’. What is your favourite nickname?
“In Paris I was ‘Le Duc’ and in Turin I became ‘The Duke’. I like ‘Crazy Horse’ and it represents me: when I start on the pitch… For Landucci I’ve been ‘Monsieur’ since my Juve days: it sounds good.”
Allegri says you’ve improved since your Juventus years. Do you agree?
“I feel like I’m more of a leader and more mature, but I haven’t ‘arrived’: as long as I’m playing, I try to always improve, every season. Last season, for example, was important for me, and I think I’ve made further progress.
“The same thing has happened in these months at Milan: I try to pay attention to the details, I carefully study videos of my opponents and my own. And when I see in the footage that I’m doing something right that perhaps I didn’t do before… I like it.”
You haven’t scored yet, are you ready to break the deadlock on Saturday against Lazio?
“I hope so. I’d like to score as soon as possible, both at San Siro and away. I like scoring goals or providing assists, but that’s not my main role: I have to help the team with running, tackling, advice, and experience. If we keep winning and I don’t score, that’s fine too.”
In six matches with you on the pitch, the Rossoneri have won five and drawn one, conceding only one goal. How do you explain these numbers?
“Maybe my team-mates have more confidence and I give them a sense of mental security. I try to talk a lot, especially during the most difficult moments of the match, to keep everyone focused. I always give my all and the others feel it.”
So with you on the pitch…
“(Smiles) It’s all easier…”
When you had a calf injury, did Allegri pressure you to come back sooner?
“He asked me when I’d be back three or four times a day, but he actually wanted me to play only when I was ready, because the injury was serious. Having a coach who talks to you often, even when you’re not available, helps you stay focused on the objective. Allegri is great at this too.”
What feelings did the derby leave you with?
“Happiness because it’s a special match for Milan and the Milan fans. It was great to win the first derby at San Siro and I’m proud of how we played. These three points give us further confidence.”
Is it too early to talk about the Scudetto?
“Yes. There’s no point in thinking about the Scudetto: we’re trying to win every game and achieve the goals we’ve set ourselves. The more the weeks go by, the more we see that the group has the right quality and mentality. With no injuries, we hope to be in a position to give it our chance in February-March.”
If Maignan continues to make saves like this…
“He was amazing.”
Do you hope he renews his contract and stays at Milan?
“Yes, obviously I hope so, like everyone at Milan. Maignan is an extraordinary goalkeeper, and there aren’t many in the world as good as him. He’s a key player for us, and Mike loves the Rossoneri shirt.
“I won’t get involved in the negotiations between him and the club’s management, but I hope he continues to grow at this club, with a coach like Allegri, and in this group.”
Nkunku, on the other hand, is not yet at his best it seems…
“He’s a talent and he’s already shown it in the past. I know him because we grew up together, him, Mike and I. He arrived from Chelsea out of shape and has to adapt to a difficult league like Serie A, but now he’s physically fit and motivated. I’m sure that as soon as he gets going…”
Leao, on the other hand, is growing rapidly…
“He puts a lot of effort into training, and today (yesterday) for example, he made some defensive slides to win the ball back: it’s nice to see a talent like him sacrificing himself for the team. Compared to when I was at Juve, he’s improved a lot.”
Even you, who has played with so many champions, are you impressed by Modric?
“He’s a simple person and loves football like a child. I’ve felt very comfortable with him in midfield since day one because he has quality and vision, but he also makes a huge contribution when it comes to winning the ball back, running and coming in decisively when needed.
“He’s an extraordinary player who amazes me with the desire he shows on the pitch every day, even at 40. I admire him greatly: when I’m his age, I hope I still have that passion.”
What memories do you have of De Zerbi?
“Last year we did well. De Zerbi is crazy about football, and when he left the training center, he’d go home to watch every game. The next day, maybe talking about tactics, he’d ask us: ‘Who watched the game yesterday? Did you notice that…’ It’s incredible.”
Speaking of former coaches, you will meet Sarri again on Saturday against Lazio…
“It’ll be great to see him again. We had a strange year at Juventus: I didn’t play much at first, but after Covid I was always a starter and we won the Scudetto. Sarri is a great coach.”
The Supercoppa Italiana is in less than a month, then the World Cup comes at the end of the season: do you still have room in your trophy cabinet?
“I have an important year ahead of me, where I can win with both Milan and France. I hope to do that and play all the way to the World Cup final. Against Italy? The playoffs are tough, but I hope they qualify because they need to be at the World Cup.”
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