Head coach Stefano Pioli has insisted that it will take some time before new signing Fikayo Tomori is fully up to speed with AC Milan’s system and style.
On Friday evening, Milan announced the signing of Tomori on loan with an option to buy from Chelsea. The defender was called up straight away for the Atalanta clash, but understandably didn’t make his debut.
The 23-year-old centre-back had made just one appearance in the league for Chelsea this season and Milan spotted an opportunity. After some tough negotiations, the Rossoneri were able to announce the signing before the weekend.
Pioli was interviewed by Milan TV on the eve of the game against Inter in the Coppa Italia quarter-final and he was asked about Tomori’s arrival, with his quotes transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
“He is a very intelligent and curious player. He comes from a different football, my English is good but not great,” he said.
“He is attentive, then we have many of his team-mates who speak the language well. He has nice features, nice qualities, it’s clear he’s only done two sessions. It will take some time to integrate him into our mechanisms in the best possible way.”
