AC Milan defender Jan-Carlo Simic has praised Stefano Pioli for the role he played in his development, as well as Primavera head coach Ignazio Abate.
Simic was probably expecting to spend the 2023-24 season entirely with the Primavera or perhaps out on loan somewhere, and yet he has Serie A minutes and even his first senior goal to his name.
That is largely because of the defensive injury crisis that Milan suffered towards the end of last year, but the centre-back – who was recently called up by the Serbian senior national team for the first time – responded well when called upon.
Simic scored against Monza in December and the emotions of his parents – who were sat near the corner at San Siro – was evident as they were pictured in tears after seeing their son score. After the game, Simic stated he would give his first ever Serie A shirt to them.
The defender spoke to Milan TV during the episode of the ‘Homegrown’ series about how well he has managed to integrate across the two teams plus the relationship he has with his team-mates and coaches.
What is it like playing under Abate?
“A bate is number one, he showed me how to play football here in Italy, he is the one who prepared me for the big step towards the first team. Thanks to him I was ready to play in Serie A.”
And Pioli?
“I also have a wonderful relationship with Pioli, he has more experience in Serie A and tries to improve me on details. I will always be grateful to him for having trusted me when my time came, I will not forget it for the rest of my life.”
What are the dressing rooms like in the Primavera and first team?
“In the Primavera I’m friends with everyone, we often go out and have fun together. In the first team it’s the same, in particular I get along well with Thiaw with whom I speak a lot in German, Kjaer is my mentor in my role while Jovic sees me as a little brother.”
