Noah Okafor was delighted that AC Milan emerged with the three points against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi this afternoon, and stressed that he is available to play in any position.
Okafor was entrusted with the job of leading the front line today against Verona, with head coach Stefano Pioli choosing him to be the centre-forward over Olivier Giroud and Luka Jovic.
It would be fair to say that the decision paid off, because Okafor – in addition to being a dynamic presence and hitting the bar with what would have been a stunning volley – had a big hand in the second goal.
The Swiss forward stole possession from the Verona defender and ran through on goal, seeing his shot parried by Montipo but into the path of Christian Pulisic who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.
Theo Hernandez and Samuel Chukwueze also scored in the 3-1 win, and Okafor spoke to Sky (via MilanNews) after the game to pick apart what was a job well done in the end.
Your thoughts on the game?
“I’m happy with my performance and with the victory.”
You played as the centre-forward…
“It’s nothing new for me. I can play as a wide attacker or even as a centre-forward. I try to be ready when the coach calls me into action and I try to always give 100% for Milan.”
How are you feeling at the moment?
“The last few weeks have been positive. I try to help the team and always give my best. Things are going well, we have to continue like this.”
Is second place the target now?
“Let’s not talk about it. Let’s try to give everything, then we’ll see where we are at the end of the season.”
Okafor then spoke to DAZN, and again his comments were transcribed by MilanNews.
What feelings do you have after winning another match?
“It was a good match, we knew we had to win. We are in good form and deserved the three points.”
What was it like to play as a striker?
“I feel comfortable when I can attack deep and when I have the ball at my feet and can go one-on-one. Wherever the coach chooses, I’m ready. The important thing was to win and get the three points.”
Now is the aim second place in Serie A and reaching the Europa League final?
“We are in a good period of form, we have to think game by game. We train hard every day, we have ambitious goals and we will see match after match.”
He can play both positions but he has nevertheless said previously that he prefers the left wing position but fully understands that Leao is in front of him.