AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers has revealed a desire to win ‘for the coach’ as Stefano Pioli will not be able to make the trip to face Napoli.
Milan face arguably their biggest test of the season so far when they make the trip south to face the Partenopei on Sunday, and they will have to do so without Pioli and his assistant Giacomo Murelli, who are positive for Coronavirus.
Saelemaekers was interviewed by Milan TV about the upcoming game, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
“For me it’s very important to score, it’s the most important thing during the match. It’s the best way to help my team-mates during the match and I hope to be able to continue like this,” he said.
On his preferred position: “I like to play forward, now I fit in much more than before.”
On the work done at Milanello: “The team has worked a lot during these weeks, Sunday’s match is really very important. We hope to do well.”
On Pioli: “The coach did a great job in the previous months and on Sunday we want to play and win for him too, it would be very important for us and for him.
“Now I have the confidence of the coach and the team, it is very important for me. If I can continue like this and continue helping is the most important thing for me. I am happy with all the trust that the whole club places in me. I hope to improve every day to be able to continue to show that I am a good player for this team.”
On the growth of the team: “The team is growing every day, we do a great job at Milanello. We see on the pitch that we play with more confidence and are stronger. It is a great thing for this Milan and I hope we can continue like this for the rest of the season.”
On the match against Napoli: “We all know the great importance of this match, we are ready.”
On Milan: “It’s a very welcoming city, I feel very comfortable despite being alone. But it’s so welcoming that being alone isn’t a problem. I feel very good.”
On his chemistry with Calabria: “It gives confidence to both and this can only be positive for Milan too. Having two international players can only be good, I hope both of us will do well this Sunday, as well as the rest of the season.”
🎙️ Saelemaekers ahead of #NapoliMilan: "We want to win for the Coach"
🗣️ "Vogliamo vincere anche per il Mister". Le parole di Alexis prima della trasferta di Napoli#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/ibCUyKNMPo
— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 19, 2020