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.”