Ahead of AC Milan’s clash against AS Roma in the Europa League, Ismael Bennacer has spoken about the importance of a win at San Siro and the significance a victory may have on the Rossoneri’s season.
Stefano Pioli’s future seems relatively safe at this moment, however, things could shift enormously in the next few weeks, considering the fixtures that await Milan. Starting with two games against Roma in the Europa League and then the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. Elimination from Europe and a Derby defeat could be horrific for Pioli’s chances of staying at the club next season.
Therefore, it is vital that the Diavolo begin their run-in with positivity, starting with Thursday’s game at San Siro, and ahead of the match, Bennacer has offered some insight into the importance of the fixture when speaking to Sky (via MilanNews).
Bennacer is in great shape, even slimmed down a bit. There was Ramadan until yesterday, so it was a particular period for you. How are you feeling physically and mentally? How are you, Ismael?
“I’m fine. I’m happy to be with the team. Right now we are winning. Ramadan is over, it was a good period, but I hope that the good period we’re having on the pitch can be prolonged. I’m fine, I’m getting back into my rhythm and I work every day to be the strongest.”
You’ve lost five kilos, that’s why you’re getting back to the top. You also said it was a good, winning moment for Milan. Do you think what we have now is the best Milan of the season?
“There are many things. Now we have more continuity with the new players. The coach gives us lots of advice and then we’re doing well at the moment and we have to do everything we can to do even better.”
You are one of Pioli’s Milan veterans in midfield. Do you think this Milan team is ready to return to winning ways?
“We are trying to do it. We are trying. We will never give up anything, not even a point. Tomorrow will be a big game, the most important of the season. We’ll go to San Siro, we’ll try to give everything.”
Two curiosities: if there hadn’t been all those injuries do you think Milan would have been fighting for the Scudetto? De Rossi used to occupy your position on the pitch when he played: you admired him, what memories do you have of De Rossi as a player?
“For the first question, I don’t know. Of course, maybe we could have done better without injuries. But that’s how it was, with injuries, so today we’re fighting to get as many points as possible. De Rossi? Of course, I considered him to be one of the best in his role. He was a top player, and he’s doing very well at Roma. It will be a good, difficult match, with two great teams. We’ll see tomorrow.”
