USA manager Gregg Berhalter was interviewed by Italian media ahead of the big clash between AC Milan and Juventus. Four US internationals will be involved and the manager is very proud of the recent development.
For Milan, Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic are expected to play from the first minute. For Juventus, the same can be said for Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah. As such, the game is a great example of the increased presence of Americans in top European football.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, USA manager Gregg Berhalter shared his thoughts on the big game. He discussed the strengths of the four players and stated that he wants the clash to end 2-2 with one goal each for his players.
What are your thoughts on Milan-Juve?
“I’m reminded of the idols I had when I watched Italian football from New Jersey. Cabrini, Baresi, Maldini: absolute phenomena.”
Tomorrow you will see a good portion of the US national team on the field: more surprised or more proud?
“Proud. This Milan-Juve is further confirmation of the enormous steps that football is taking in the United States. I have always considered Serie A a giant and seeing so many of our national teams protagonists in a big match like this is something extraordinary.”
Point blank: prediction for Milan-Juve?
“I will be rooting for a 2-2 with goals from Pulisic, Musah, Weah and McKennie…”.
At the beginning of the week, you beat Ghana. In what state did you return the players to Pioli and Allegri?
“The boys are well physically, during the break they maintained the rhythm of the game, but they also had time to recover. Pulisic is ‘on fire’, his feet are hot: he scored two goals between Germany and Ghana. And what a goal it was.”
Did you hear that Pulisic was happy with his experience at Milan?
“Very much so. But Musah, Weah and McKennie also told me they were happy in Italy. Pulisic is a star in the United States, in the Premier League he faced a tough challenge with Chelsea, but he won the Champions League.
“At Milan and with Pioli, has found the confidence to get to the top. Christian is unquestionable in terms of talent or even from a tactical and character point of view. He has imagination and technique. He defends, attacks, dribbles: he is a top player and will complete himself in Italy. I know how many goals he will score, but I’m sure he will help Milan win a trophy.”
How would you describe Pulisic in just one word?
“Christian is competitive.”
Weah, McKennie and Musah?
“Tim Weah is everyone’s friend, McKennie the funniest. And then there’s Musah, the sun: everyone around him feels his warmth.”
Meaning what?
“Musah is very strong and never leaves you alone. He is a complete, dynamic and flexible midfielder.”
The game is scheduled for 20:45 CEST tomorrow and as said, it will indeed be an exciting clash between two very good teams. Milan probably would have been the favourites had it not been for the absences of Mike Maignan, Marco Sportiello and Theo Hernandez.
2-2 with Pulisic, Musah, Weah and mckenny scoring one each. Yeah.. sure.
Totally objective and not biased at all
Don’t take it seriously. You must say the same if you’re at his position, as you have players in both clubs.