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In a lengthy interview, AC Milan midfielder Samuele Ricci spoke about his summer move to the club, the first half of the season, the struggles against the smaller teams and more.
Since joining Milan from Torino in the summer, it has been a bit of a roller coaster for Ricci. During the pre-season, Massimiliano Allegri relied on him a lot and the performances were also very good, showcasing promising qualities.
However, during the season, Allegri has relied on Youssouf Fofana more as Ricci has struggled to find his role. Luka Modric’s arrival meant he could no longer play in the deep-lying position, moving him to the mezz’ala role which requires an acclimatisation period.
Speaking to Tuttosport for today’s edition, as transcribed by MilanNews, Ricci shared his thoughts on the move to Milan, his playing time so far, and the struggles against the smaller teams. He also previewed Monday’s clash against his former side, Torino.
Three and a half years at Torino, leaving as captain. Samuele Ricci, could you walk into the wrong dressing room by accident on Monday?
“No, no, that’s difficult… (laughs). It will definitely be a special experience for me to set foot in the stadium again. I grew so much there, I met wonderful people, and I also left so many friends behind. ”
Of the coaches you’ve had in Turin, who has improved it the most?
“I arrived with Juric, and given the way I played at Empoli, it was a bit of a leap into the unknown. I wanted to test myself at a really big club with more competition within the team, even though I knew I’d find a totally different way of playing.
“I put myself out there, I grew physically, I put even more effort into focusing on the non-possession phase, which was what his man-to-man game required. A way of interpreting matches that also required staying super focused for the entire ninety minutes.”
Where would Vanoli have been last year without Zapata’s injury?
“Well, Duvan certainly made the difference. It’s hard to say whether we dropped off because he wasn’t there or because we got a bit complacent, but it’s undeniable that the team’s way of playing has changed.
“When Zapata was there, you could just throw forward and he’d hold it and bring the whole team with him, but without him the outlook changed.”
As a former captain, why do you think Torino have never managed to make the leap in quality in terms of results?
“That’s a difficult question… Turin is a great place, but there’s this climate of general discontent that’s been going on for many years, even before I arrived there. The fans expect a lot from the team and the club, and, as you all know, there’s this constant clash with the club. And subconsciously, those who go on the pitch suffer from this.
“Entering the stadium and constantly hearing anti-Cairo chants has a certain impact. But at the same time, I have to say that Turin is truly beautiful to play in and experience. We immediately created a loving relationship with the fans during my three years, and for that I can only thank them.”
Among other things, in your three years at Torino, you always beat AC Milan at home…
“It’s true, we always won and now that I’m on the other side of the fence, I say it’s all the more reason to try to reverse this trend.”
Speaking of which: why do AC Milan do so well in big matches but struggle against medium-small teams?
“I think these difficulties are part of our growth process. Many players have changed, and the team’s identity has also changed since Allegri’s arrival.
“Being relentless even in ‘normal’ matches, I think, is the step we need to take to become a truly great team: it’s a question of mentality and it’s the obstacle we have to overcome.”
Is it true that football at San Siro doesn’t weigh on you, it burns?
“I can confirm, it’s not a stadium like the others, but also in a positive way: when you go on the pitch, if there’s enthusiasm, you feel a tremendous force pushing you on.”
How much does it help to have a coach like Allegri on the bench?
“We all know what he’s achieved in his career. Plus, off the pitch, Allegri gives you a lot of peace of mind, and I think he’s the best at managing a team. Plus, he has a very competent staff behind him.”
You arrived as a deep-lying midfielder and Allegri converted you to a mezz’ala: when did the connection click?
“In training, when he started trying me there. But we often play with two in the middle. It doesn’t really change much because he demands us to be able to do everything and adapt to various situations.”
But where do you enjoy playing the most?
“I really like playing as a deep-lying midfielder, but even Gattuso, for the national team, tried me out as a mezz’ala.”
What’s Modric like up close?
“Outstanding.”
Explain…
“He’s a phenomenon because he does things others don’t do and sees things others don’t see. You can steal a lot of things, but only up to a certain point, because his immense talent makes him unique; otherwise, it would be too easy.
“In that sense, his footballing intelligence is impressive: he always knows where the ball is going.”
After Modric, Rabiot arrived…
“Having them on the pitch gives you confidence. Plus, at Milanello, they are two wonderful guys.”
Just to satisfy our curiosity: would Allegri allow you to mention the word Scudetto?
“No, no, now the focus must be on finding consistency, so getting back to the Champions League where Milan deserves to be, and then… we’ll see.”
You were also a Milan fan: your childhood idol?
“Ronaldinho… Even though he has little to do with my position.”
Did you play in the middle as a child?
“No, I started out as a winger, then Zauli put me there in the Primavera.”
The toughest opponent you’ve ever faced?
“Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.”
Samuele, are we going to the World Cup?
“Yes. And we shouldn’t let what happened in the past influence us.”
English (US) ·