AC Milan full-back Davide Calabria has offered a reflection on the team’s difficulties in the last couple of games as well as his evolution as a player.
Calabria is not only one of the first names on the team sheet under head coach Stefano Pioli, but given his tenure at Milan compared to other members of the side due to the fact he came through the Primavera, he is also the vice captain.
He gave an interview to SportMediaset that aired on the eve of tomorrow’s crucial game against Genoa and he talked about the season finale that awaits the Rossoneri, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Your first thoughts after the match against Torino and the second consecutive 0-0?
“Difficult game, very complicated. I think Torino are one of the worst teams to face because they try to make you play as little as possible by pressing across the board,” he said.
“They played the game to limit our attacking phase. Obviously we are not happy but it is unthinkable to win them all. Fortunately, the others are also making missteps, we see the positive side, there are still games missing and we are still up front. Why see the glass half empty?”
The fans are a bit worried about an attack that has jammed, what is missing to unblock this situation?
“It is clear to everyone that we have consolidated the defensive phase and that we lack the flicker to take us ahead. We have always thought this thing that if we manage not to concede a goal, then we must score one.
“In this period we are missing this thing but I think that a period like this happens to the forwards but they must have faith. We have to shoot more because the only way to score is to shoot. We have to give something more to bring home difficult matches.”
Two of your assists were for Giroud’s last two goals in the derby and against Napoli, are you evolving in this type of situation?
“I hope so. We must try not to let Oli remain too alone in the area with the opposing defence deep. He is a great striker who needs support like everyone else. We all have to be better at reaching the box.”
For one reason or another, this year is the year that has empowered you the most as you have worn the captain’s armband so many times. What does it mean for you?
“It means a lot, it’s an important responsibility. I think I can make others understand what Milan, Milanello and San Siro mean. This is something that gives me great pleasure, it is positive. I must always try to lead by example both on and off the pitch. I am happy with the trust that the coach and the club are giving me. Now it’s up to me to repay this trust with good performances.”
The sprint has begun, what do Milan have more than Inter and Napoli in your opinion?
“All three of us are great teams. At the beginning of the year, the favourites were probably others, but we have always believed in it. We have not set limits. We are not perfect of course, but nobody is.
“We need to exploit all the potential we have and we are confident. We are giving everything to try to bring home something that has been missing for years. Several teams have invested more than us, but we believe in the title.”
Do you expect, after Bologna and Torino, that the Genoa game will also be a tough match where they will defend deep and not let you play?
“Absolutely yes, matches are almost always like that towards the end. Everyone plays with a knife between their teeth. We know it and we are working these days. Obviously this too will be tough like all of them.”
