Adli talks new role, belief from Pioli, Scudetto dream and Zidane comparisons

Yacine Adli has revealed the moment in which Stefano Pioli gave him the most confidence as he outlined his rise this season to being a bigger part of AC Milan’s plans.

Going into the summer transfer window it appeared obvious that Adli’s future was away from Milan given he had started just one game the season prior despite impressing in the preseason and midseason friendlies.

However, he ended up remaining at the club and after struggling for chances at the start, Adli took on the role of playing in front of the defence as he had in friendly matches.

When Rade Krunic got injured, the Franco-Algerian stepped up and filled in well, and he may even keep his spot for the game against Juventus.

Adli gave an exclusive interview to Claudio Raimondi of SportMediaset in which he talked about his season so far and establishing himself as a part of Stefano Pioli’s plans, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

What did Genoa-Milan mean to you?

“It was a difficult match and we knew it, we tried to find solutions against a very deep team. But we showed our spirit, always believing in ourselves, the desire to score until the end. In the final minutes it was a strange match, but we demonstrated our spirit once again.”

Everyone is seeing you on the field now…

“Now I play a little more, but I always try to learn and grow. I’m doing well, but it’s only the beginning. I want to grow further and I’m available to the coach. I’m just trying to learn.”

When did Pioli make you understand that it could be a different season for you?

“Pioli has always been close to me, he has always made me feel part of the team by giving me advice. One moment gave me a lot of confidence: before Roma-Milan, first match after the transfer window closed, Pioli came to me and told me said that he was very happy that I was staying at Milan. He gave me a lot of confidence.”

You’re playing a new role…

“I like it a lot, but I have a lot of things to learn. I work to grow in every training session, but I’m happy because now I’m playing and I can measure my growth.”

Paolo Sousa said that you are technically the ‘new Zidane’…

“I’m just Yacine Adli. Pirlo and Zidane are fantastic players, it’s difficult to reach that level. I try to do my best and do my best for Milan, that’s what matters to me.”

Bennacer left you a nice message…

“He’s like a brother. But we also love each other with Rade. Competition gives a lot to the team, the more competition there is, the stronger we are, the more we want to win. We are all ready to help the team. Off the pitch we are very good friends”

What was the ‘San Siro effect’ like when you made your debut?

“It’s an incredible stadium, I can’t describe what I felt. What a pride to be on the pitch and to hear all the fans like that. I’ll never forget the standing ovation when I left the pitch, it was a dream.”

You know many chants from the AC Milan fans…

“I’ve always had the soul of a fan, I learned them by listening. I really like ‘Banditoooo’, but also ‘Forza devil alè’ (Adli sings the whole chorus).”

Milan-Juve is on Sunday…

“We are first, but the road is long. We want to win something important and this comes from every match. Against Juve it is important, but there will be many others after.”

Do you dare say the word Scudetto?

“When you are Milan you play to win – the Scudetto is one of our objectives, but we don’t put too much pressure on ourselves and we don’t talk about it every day. We stay focused on our work and give our all every match.”

You’ll face your old team PSG soon…

“At this level there is no half-heartedness, I fight for my team. Paris is an important stage for me, but today I am proud to be at Milan and I will give everything for Milan.”

Do you dream of scoring?

“It’s a dream, not an obsession. It’s more important to win.”

Are you willing to shave your hair in case of the Scudetto?

“No this can’t happen (laughs).”

Who is in the Scudetto fight?

“There are many teams: Juve, Inter, perhaps Atalanta, Napoli, Lazio… It will be a hard-fought season with very difficult matches.”

Why should fans believe in you?

“Believe in me because I am kind. I will always give my best, everything for Milan, but above all believe in the team.”