Rade Krunic believes that his performances over the course of his time at the club have proven he is worthy of being an AC Milan player, also looking ahead to the crucial game against Roma.
Krunic arrived from Empoli in the same summer that Ismael Bennacer did and while the Algerian has often been regarded as the more important player when it comes to Stefano Pioli’s hierarchies, the Bosnian is now starting to get some deserved appreciation.
The trust that Pioli has put in him has never been more evident than during the three recent meetings with Napoli when Krunic played in a deeper role alongside Sandro Tonali to try and neutralise Piotr Zielinski and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa plus Tanguy Ndombele, which he did.
Krunic was interviewed by Milan TV ahead of Saturday night’s match against Roma, an important match in terms of Champions League qualification, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“It was a very special period for all of us, even for the whole team: we are proud of what we have done last year, but we look ahead and always demand the best, we look to the next goals,” he said.
On recently becoming a dad: “My first child was born, it’s a huge satisfaction, the most important in my life. Surely now I’m calmer, I’m more satisfied, happy and happy off the pitch.”
On the team’s various moments along the way: “We’ve had various moments, from the worst to the best. We always looked ahead every year and I think we improved every year, achieving something special.
“At first it was qualification for the Champions League, then the Scudetto, now we’ve moved on to the Champions League. Certainly the goal at the start of the season was to win the Scudetto again because we always demand the best.
“Champions League qualification is obviously now a goal. Milan obviously have to play in the Champions League and we have to reach this goal.”
On his career with the Rossoneri: “I think that I too, like the whole team, have improved year after year, I have grown a lot as a person and a player.
“I think we still have a lot of room for growth, especially the younger guys than me. I am sincerely proud of myself, of what I did in Milan and I showed everyone that I am a Milan-worthy player.”
On preparing for matches: “I like studying the opponents, how they think, how they are made to play by coaches and staff. Then of course, since we’ve been working with Mr. Pioli, I’ve taken his ideas as my own. First of all, the coach’s ideas arrive and I try to pass them on to my team-mates and the whole team.”
On Saturday’s match against Roma: “The head-to-head clash certainly weighs much more, let’s say that six points are at stake. If you win you are far ahead, like now that we have won against Lecce and the other teams have lost.
“We have gained something and it will be the same on Saturday, a tough game against a strong opponent who is doing well. But we are Milan and we are definitely going to Rome to win.”
He is a truly warrior. Milan worthy for me.
I liked his mentality worthy of milan. Keep the good work
Like Ambrosini, did a lot of different work for milan in midfield with perfection when needed, but somehow forgotten by most people.
I’m glad Krunic got more and more respect. He deserves it after worked so hard and gave important importants.
oops i mean important contributions
He is very smart and calm on the ball.A typical fighter and ball winner, very crucial in pioli’s 4-2-3-1 formation.