Saelemaekers discusses Milan adventure and one goal he has: “I hope to be more decisive”

Alexis Saelemaekers was a positive note for Milan this past season as he continued to play well for the Rossoneri, adding a few goals and assists to his name. And he’s destined to be at the club for a long time. 

The Belgian youngster, who arrived in January 2020, scored two goals and assisted an additional five in Serie A this past season. Not fantastic numbers for a right-winger, but he adds a lot to the team with his work rate.

In an interview with Belgian outlet DH Les Sports+, as cited by MilanNews, Saelemaekers spoke about his adventure at Milan thus far. He also talked about qualifying for the Champions League and what he expects in the competition.

On the work done…

“Yes. I worked hard to get there, but I didn’t think it would be so easy to achieve the great goals I had set for myself.”

On the coach’s confidence…

“The coach trusts me and is fundamental in a club. But if you miss three or four games in a row, it can change quickly. The pace imposed, for a long time, does not help the players.”

On the criticism of Anderlecht…

“I’m happy to have responded to the criticism, as I played and qualified for the Champions League. But I have learned not to listen to them too much. I know the people I should consult when I ‘need advice’.”

On what he has improved…

“Maturity. It’s an aspect that is less from the outside, but I feel it helps me a lot. Before, I was probably still too playful. I haven’t thought about it enough. With experienced players at Milan, yes. You grow up. Playing football is fun, but above all, it is a job.”

On the role that forces him to defend a lot…

“It’s part of my game. Even when you’re not in shape, you have to keep the mentality of fighting for every ball. I try to bring this to the team and I feel it is helping. Mister Pioli has understood the type of player I was and he put me in the best conditions. I have a certain freedom to express myself. I owe him a lot. He knows how to adapt to the good of his players.”

On the statistics to improve…

“Yes, of course. These figures would be correct in the Belgian league. But in Italy they are not enough, I know. I’m working to improve myself. Next season I hope to be more decisive in front of goal, but without becoming a forward who is waiting. the ball in front. I still have to keep my running stats. ”

On Milan’s return to the Champions League…

“It’s fantastic, of course, but we had the team to win the Scudetto. We had a lot of injuries at the wrong times. When you lose three, four, five players, it becomes very difficult. Our bench was good, but to compete with the best you need a team united until the end. Being in the Champions League was our goal and we achieved it. The party was great. We worked on it for a year and a half.”

On the Zlatan-Lukaku duel…

“I tried not to take sides because I know both players well. The emotions had taken over that day. I’m in a bad position to judge them. I tried to calm Romelu, but he was too pissed off, it didn’t help.”

On Zlatan’s knee injury…

“He was disappointed, but he’s a guy who will get up. I’m sure he’ll prove he’s even stronger after the injury. I’m not worried.”

Albert Lokonga, a 21-year-old midfielder, has been linked with Milan and he was also one of Saelemaekers’ teammates at Anderlecht. The latter spoke about the rumours linking him with the Rossoneri.

“I’m just telling him to follow his instincts. If he feels it’s time to go, he must do it. When I felt I had to leave, I did. He must be well informed about his possibilities before making the final choice.

“I don’t want to influence him. I immediately felt comfortable in Milan… I can tell him that this is the perfect place, but he might not like the environment. I just hope he makes the right choice. But I would like him to be with me at Milan anyway (laughs).”

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