AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah has insisted that the squad are all very motivated ahead of the new season, and he revealed his first impressions of Paulo Fonseca.
Musah was one of the last signings that Milan made during a busy 2023 summer transfer window and he had a strange first season, one where he was up and down in terms of form but was also used as a right-back and a wing-back as well as his more natural midfield roles.
With a new coach the hope for the USA international is that he can nail down a clear role in the team, and games like tonight’s against the European Champions provides a chance to show what he can do.
The midfielder was on vacation after the Copa America but rejoined the squad just before the Manchester City game on Saturday night, and he got 10 minutes at the end of that.
Musah spoke like at a press conference on the eve of the game against Real Madrid at Soldier Field in Chicago, and his comments were relayed by Radio Rossonera.
What has changed with Fonseca?
“I think we came back from the break fresh physically and mentally. So we are trying to learn from the staff and the coach. I think it’s too early to say now.
“What is the atmosphere like? It’s always the same when you finish a season and take a break and then come back, every player has new motivation and feels excited again.
“So, whether we have a new coach or not, we will always have that feeling. In the dressing room now, everyone is motivated and energetic.”
There are several youngsters in the squad now, like Camarda and Libaerli…
“I’ve been training with them for a few days now, and they’re doing well. I remember when it was my first pre-season in the first team and I was excited to show what I could do, so I’m sure they want to do the same.”
What is your relationship with Pulisic like?
“We have a good relationship, even before we played together at Milan. Now that we play together and see each other, we have definitely developed a better bond on and off the pitch. We have grown our relationship together.”
A big challenge against Real Madrid awaits…
“I hope to play to find the right rhythm and prepare for the season. Modric? I played against him in La Liga… He’s a great player and definitely a player to learn from.”
Meawhile,
@Romano – EXCLUSIVE: Juventus submit first official bid to Atalanta to sign top target Teun Koopmeiners.
Understand there’s €45m proposal on the table for Dutch midfielder.
Koopmeiners agreed personal terms with Juventus in May, up to the clubs as Atalanta always asked big fee.
What does this have to do with AC Milan?
Yeah Milan and Juventus are nothing alike. One team is ambitious with a good management and solid acquisitions on the market while the other team is frugal, competing for UCL appearance and focused on the USA.
This has even less to do with Milan, what are you on about?
Turns out a club that runs by debt (like, who doesn’t) can actually complete the signing of their specific targets one by one. While us, our specific plan A target moves further, and we have to settle with plan B or C.
While the management always said that this season would be all about targeted and specific move, the truth is far from it.
Sorry but i doubt you know anything of Milan or Juventus primary targets.
Oga, you need to rest.
Bro, not sure how long you’ve been around this site but brahim Ba is one of the more neutral and reasoned commenters here and if he’s frustrated with what’s going on then it’s quite quite telling.
How is wanting Milan (having scored more goals in the league than they have in 20 years last season) to spend half their budget on an AM who has struggled to defend in Serie A reasoned and neutral? At best, its odd and confusing. If they spent 45 million on an AM this would signal strong management?
Targeted positions. Management that fall in love with players are better left as fans than management. Its lazy, management have to put in the work to evaluate as many players as possible at the positions they are looking at, so they are not in a position where the cost exceeds the valuation. They targeted ST, RB, and DM. If those positions are not filled, then I would agree they missed an opportunity. Beyond that is a bonus.
They must sell. That is definitely my biggest frustration. There are players who must be sold. They cannot continue to sustainably spend $300 million on players while other teams make money in the market and finish above them. They will not be able to offer competitive salaries.