Fofana lifts lid on mood after Verona win and evolving role: “In the right space”

Youssouf Fofana provided some reassuring words regarding his substitution, and lifted the lid on how his role has changed.

Having been dropped for the 3-0 defeat to Udinese last weekend, Fofana was reinstated into the side on the right of the midfield three, just as the 3-5-2 formation was used once again by Massimiliano Allegri after the failed 4-3-3 experiment.

Milan ended up emerging with three points from the Stadio MarcAntonio Bentegodi this afternoon, but they were made to work hard for it. The only goal came just before the break, with Rafael Leao playing through Adrien Rabiot who scored his sixth goal of the season.

‘We had to raise our level’

Fofana spoke to DAZN after the final whistle at the Bentegodi to give an update on his condition and to reflect on a big three points, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews.

Are you ok?

“Yes, it’s just cramp. I’m fine.”

Was it all about winning today?

“Especially considering we hadn’t won in the last few games. Going without a win for three games in a row wasn’t an option: we had to raise our level and win this match.”

How has your role changed?

“I’ve worked all year to get to this level. I know it’s not over, there’s still a lot of work to do. I’ve allowed the attackers to have a little more space between the lines and given more options to those in possession of the ball, Modric or Adri [Rabiot], who dictate the play.

“I’m always there, ready to be in the right space. Now, after the runs, we’re just missing a few more goals.”

Reijnders too had trouble scoring in his first year at Milan. And then…

“I’m moving forward with time. If we see Modric at 40, he’ll do amazing things. I know that with time, things will get better.”

Will you be able to return to the Milan we admired at the start of the season?

“Rabiot is right. We are Milan and we have to raise the bar in everything we do on the pitch. If we improve our technique, we lose the ball less and have more confidence.”