As he always does, Daniele Bonera gave a very thoughtful post-match interview reflecting on several aspects after Milan Futuro’s draw with Pontedera.
The home side took the lead in the 27th minute after a mistake at the back but Alex Jimenez notched another goal almost straight after to restore penalty. In the second half, Noah Raveyre was the hero as he produced a penalty save to ensure the score stayed at 1-1, which it remained until full-time.
Bonera spoke to Milan TV after the game to analyse what was another hard-fought point for his side away from home, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews.
Today things went better compared to the last few games…
“Yes, I would like to focus more on the progress of the match but if we want to summarise like this, yes, we were luckier than other games. We started well, we were in control and in command, we tried to lure Pontedera out, who close down well and try to counter.
“Going behind is not easy, we also equalised in a somewhat lucky way, then what you say is true with the penalty and another situation in which they presented themselves in front of the goalkeeper.”
There was a reaction, the players seemed more determined than in other circumstances…
“This gives us hope, we are trying to prepare the boys for this league which is anything but simple. Those who do not know the reality of Serie C from the outside think that it is a different level from what we actually found on the field.
“We are trying to make them adults in this journey: the better we are at making it short, the more we will have the possibility of getting satisfaction. Today is a good example of what we are doing.”
What have been the biggest difficulties at the start of the season?
“The biggest difficulty was facing teams that were already mature and well-formed. This is definitely the level and so we have to adapt. The boys have grown, today, unlike other games, we made individual mistakes that we usually don’t make that could have compromised the result.
“We bring home a point that makes us look with confidence to the future and to the next one on Sunday at home.”
Serie C is a particularly difficult category for talented kids. Do you agree?
“We are experiencing it first-hand. The boys are working hard, they are committing themselves and even those who have more quality and talent are struggling.
“We must combine talent with what is required by this league, which includes aggression, competitive spirit, attention, application, finding even the pitch that is not perfect. This is Serie C.”
Camarda moved from the first team to Milan Futuro in less than 24 hours…
“It has happened to us other times to receive the boys in the middle of the night and then be available in the morning. This is part of their journey. At 16 you can also make these sacrifices (laughs). I would like to be in their place.
“Jokes aside, it is a journey that must accompany all the boys and not just Camarda. I realize that there is great attention towards him. He is living it well, he is a willing boy, he always tries to improve in training, whether it is with us or the first team.
“He also played in the Youth League with the Primavera, he is an asset of football as well as of Milan, I am lucky to train him.”
You are having difficulties scoring…
“We are trying to work, I am trying to put the boys in the best conditions. Obviously already tonight returning on the bus we will try to find solutions because I assure you that we are working with all we have, we realise that we have to work on this aspect because then the games are decided in the two areas.
“In the offensive area we are producing little, the responsibility is mine, shared with what are then the expectations of everyone. We all would like to put our attackers in the best conditions.”