AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli has admitted that his morale has been affected by the dismal start to the season that the team has suffered.
The Rossoneri have lost seven of their first 12 games to start the season, amassing just 13 points and scoring only 11 times, with a change in head coach not having had the desired effect.
The problems have extended to the back too, as Milan have conceded at least twice in six of their last nine games, with the defence having regressed from the state it was in under Gennaro Gattuso.
Romagnoli though was given some temporary respite from his time with the Diavolo as he netted in Italy’s 9-1 Euro 2020 qualifier win over Armenia.
The 24-year-old scored the sixth goal during a convincing rout which made it a perfect 10 wins from 10 for Roberto Mancini’s side during their qualification campaign.
Romagnoli spoke to the microphones of Rai Sport after the game, reflecting on his performance.
“First I have to think about defending, then if it happens, like today, I can also score, but a defender must defend,” he said (via Calciomercato.com).
“My self-esteem is always there and does not depend on a goal. Of course, it helps, but I hope to continue to have it anyway.
“I do everything to put the coach in difficulty, I do my best in training and then I try to play my best. The coach will chose, we do what he tells us.”
When asked about the comparisons between playing for the Azzurri and at Milan, he provided an interesting response.
“It is normal that Milan’s performance affects my morale, it is not an easy perios. We are still trying to do the best, as you saw with Juve. Too bad we lost but we have a long run ahead to reverse course.”
