AC Milan midfielder Tommaso Pobega has recalled his journey to becoming a member of the first team squad, explaining what he has learned from each coach he has worked under.
Pobega is currently in his first season with the senior team at Milan after having progressed during his time the youth sector and after loan spells at Ternana, Pordenone, Spezia and most recently Torino.
It is a dream come true for the boyhood Milanista, who is now battling to try and become a regular starter. He has made 27 appearances across all competitions under Stefano Pioli this season and has scored three goals, those coming against Roma, Dinamo Zagreb and Bologna.
Pobega was interviewed by Carlo Pellegatti in a segment for Star Casino and he spoke about a number of topics including his rise to the first team at Milan and his aims for the future. PianetaMilan relayed his comments.
On his first moments with Milan: “My parents wanted to keep me in the dark, it was an immediate yes. I wasn’t scared, my mom was more scared, I found a fantastic environment. I played with Petagna’s brother, I’m linked to Trieste.”
On his role: “I’ve always played in midfield, as a kid my idol was Bastian Schweinsteiger. At first there was a bit of fear, my coach was Albertuzzo who made history in the Milan youth sector.”
On graduation and studying: “I think I owe a lot to my parents, it was also my ambition. I chose that thesis because I liked the exam and the topic: you can evaluate financial statements, but you have to understand the bond that brings the fans out to Milanello. I wanted to find out this.”
On the fear of not returning to Milan: “I’d be lying if I said no, but it was a clear path with the club. I wanted to improve, it was a shared path. I expected competition in the first team. Expectations are high.”
On the emotion of his first goals: “I enjoyed the one against Roma more, against Dinamo I didn’t remember anything. With Roma I saw the Curva Sud, it was beautiful.”
On where he needs to improve: “I certainly need to improve in decisions, cleanliness and choices. I’m a selfless guy even on the pitch with my team-mates.”
On his luck in having important coaches: “They’ve enriched me from many points of view. With Italiano I worked on body posture, on technique. With Juric, physical work, more tiring, but which improves your awareness, you can’t have fear. Pioli helped me a lot on where to improve, finding the moment to work on the weak points.”
On Serie A and the Champions League: “We are a team that doesn’t give up. Magical evenings in the Champions League at San Siro.”
On Nereo Rocco and the second star: “It would be nice.”
