Rabiot talks relationship with Allegri and predicts scoring winner against Napoli

Adrien Rabiot has pledged his aim to score the winning goal for AC Milan against Napoli, even predicting the final score.

Rabiot has shown after just three games how important he is in the eyes of Allegri. He again remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes on Tuesday night, despite the fact Milan were three goals up against Lecce inside an hour, and the opponents were down to 10 men.

The new Milan coach is believed to have strongly pushed for the signing of the Frenchman, and when he did arrive on deadline day he threw him straight into the left mezzala role in the three-man midfield. Rabiot responded with top-notch performances across all three of his starts.

Crazy horse is back

Rabiot gave an interview to SportMediaset following his visit to the club’s new store on Via Dante in the centre of Milan, and he was asked about the upcoming game.

How does it feel to get such a warm reception from the fans?

“I like all this; the relationship with the fans is very important. It’s true that I’ve only just arrived. We’ve played three games, we’ve won, and there’s enthusiasm. Seeing fans happy is a pleasure.”

Photo by Luca Maninetti / SempreMilan

You are part of a strong midfield…

“They’re definitely one of the most technically gifted in Serie A. There are really strong players like Modric, but also players like Ricci who is strong and skilled, Fofana who also has legs and power, and Loftus-Cheek too.

“I don’t know Jashari yet, but he seems like a good player. We also have great quality up front. We’ll try to be solid because in my opinion that’s the most important thing, the coach thinks so too. Then with our quality we’ll score a lot of goals.”

What is it like to be back working with Allegri?

“I know the coach well, the entire staff, their way of working and thinking, their mentality. So it was quite easy to fit into this group. It’s also true that I wasn’t physically ready, because before Bologna I hadn’t played a match in almost a month.

“I was so eager and enthusiastic. I’m continuing to work hard to get back into shape. I’m fine, but obviously I can still improve. It’s all great, I’m very happy with what happened and what’s happening.”

Has anything changed with the coach?

“We have the same relationship. We were in touch even after Juventus. He’s very attached to the people, to his players. We’ve been in touch even outside of the club. It’s true that he called me all summer, we spoke more than once.

“When what happened in Marseille happened, he called me right away to tell me to come here. But even before that, he wanted me to come here to Milan.”

You scored a lot of goals under him at Juventus…

“Juve demands a lot from me in this regard. In the last year there, I did very well in terms of goals and assists. Last year with Marseille, I scored 10-11 goals and also provided assists.

“I like to get forward and score goals, but it’s not an obsession. I know that for a player like me, a midfielder, it’s important. Then, if we win games, I honestly don’t care who scores.”

Sunday is a big game…

“It’s definitely an important match. It’s not the most important game of the season, obviously, but it’s important. There’s nothing to complain about in terms of motivation, we’ve got it. We prepare for the games one after the other.

“What I also like about the coach is that he prepares for the Coppa Italia match against Lecce like the one against Napoli, with the same enthusiasm and desire. I think it’s the right thing to do. We’ll obviously play to win it, but we shouldn’t think that if we win, draw, or lose, the season is over.

“It’s long and difficult. We can keep winning, and that’s important for confidence, for the young players who are here, for our growth, for our journey.”

Is the Scudetto an aim?

“As we said, we’ll take the games one by one, then we’ll see where we are in February-March. We know we have to work hard and develop many players, build this group. There’s enthusiasm, but we don’t want to put pressure on them and say these words.

“There are strong teams like Napoli, who won last year and are the strongest team in Italy. But I can say this and I promise: we will fight for the best.”

Is the ‘Crazy Horse’ (his nickname) back?

“Yes, yes, Crazy Horse is back. He even followed me to France last year. Crazy Horse, the Duke. Then immediately after a game or two, I saw the comments with Crazy Horse, and I’m pleased, very pleased.

“Crazy Horse to score against Napoli? Yes, let’s hope so. I’ll score the 1-0 goal and we’ll win by a corto muso [by a nose].”