Following the game between AC Milan and Club Brugge, Noah Okafor spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on the instant impact off the bench.
It was a relatively tough start to the game for Milan, who were lucky not to to concede, but they improved and opened the scoring through Christian Pulisic. Then, after a red card for the away side, life became much easier.
Noah Okafor came off the bench in the second half and bagged an assist immediately, with Tijjani Reijnders putting Milan ahead. Speaking to MilanTV after the game, as transcribed by MilanNews, the winger shared his thoughts on the performance.
On the immediate assist…
“I’m very happy for the three points and also for myself, I’m always proud when I can help the team. Every time I come on I want to be decisive and give my best. I told Tijji [Reijnders] to be ready when I go to the byline.”
On the first win in the Champions League, now Real…
“Yes of course, after the first two games we had 0 points but today we did everything we could to get three. We have to think game by game, but now we will focus on the mistakes to improve further.”
On being decisive again…
“For me, it’s very important to be fit and in good condition, to train hard. And then every time I step on the pitch I try to do my best and move everything in the right direction.”
Okafor got a 7/10 in our player ratings and was praised for his instant impact, doing what Rafael Leao failed to do. The Portuguese winger wasn’t necessarily bad either, but the Swiss international is clearly in much better form right now.
Rafa didn’t fail
Rafa did beat his man many times too, and looked really good at times, but he never set up as a clear a chance as this one for Tiji. He never had the end product.
Leao often takes an extra touch or two when he gets to the byline, and the chance is gone. I don’t know if he’s trying to show off of something, but he needs to hit his crosses earlier.
Classic example is at 24:45. Leao has beaten his man and can just hit the cross. But he waits and tries to beat him again, and then the moment is gone (and he finally overhits the cross anyway).
Rafa is a very talented player but he has some major gaps in his game too.