Simon Kjaer, AC Milan's experienced Dane defender, granted an interview to Milan TV. These are his statements:
On the difference between this current Kjaer and the old one:
"In all the experiences I have done I have always had an open mind, to learn in any place I have been. Especially when I got older, in Spain and Germany, I learned the ways to defend in those kind of championships."
On Italian football:
"I found Italian football to be more modern and active. Now, there are more teams with much dynamics in their plays."
On the new type of football:
"In my opinion, the technical and physical qualities of each team have risen. If you do not press well, the teams on the pitch find space. There is advantage in every situation. If the teams start from behind, it means that the opponents are very good on air."
On the players that should be avoided:
"I never thought of that. I am always motivated to play against the strongest players. That is what makes me get up in the morning."
On the Scudetto race:
"I think we must believe in our chances to win it, we are first. We must have the right mentality. Our aim to prepare for each match as if it were a final."
On coach Pioli:
"In the first day, he asked me 'How are you?' Since then, our relationship has grown much further. I do what he asks of me. He provided me with confidence. He has his own way of playing. If I need to say something, he always listens to me."
On Donnarumma:
"Having a goalkeeper you trust is really a boost. He has grown up a lot. He gives us the strength and the ability to play better and to be more agressive."
On Milanello:
"It is difficult to explain. It is not like any other sports centre. It has a magical touch to it. When I no longer play football, I am sure I'll always be thinking of Milanello and its impression on me."
On the team's growth:
"The confidence in the team has grown. The best thing is that we are learning more and more."
On the contenders of the Scudetto:
"There are some clubs who could fight for the scudetto. Juventus is Juventus. They have a great team. There is also Napoli. But, they are behind us. We are at the top of the ranking and we must think only of ourselves right now. The scudetto is a difficult achievement, but if we do our best effort and with a little luck... It's important to take the games one step at a time."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"He is 39 years old and not yet 40 (laughs). It is difficult to explain what Ibra is like. His way of working, his mentality, I've never seen something close to that in my career. One thing we know, is that his goal is to win. Not many players will reach his age with his way of playing."
On Ibrahimovic and Mandzukic:
"It's not an easy couple for the defenders. They can do a lot together."
On leadership:
"Whatever you do, you do it with the right mindset. When you win games and feel good on the pitch, things get easier. This is one of the things the club asked me to do."
About the group:
"The group is fantastic, they want to work. I'm serious and I do my job. Slowly, we are going on the right path, all together. I am very happy here in Milan."
On living in Italy:
"I like the lifestyle. A simple pasta is made well. It's hard to find a bad place in Italy, and this is close to my heart. I'm fine in Italy."
On free time:
"I spend time with my children. I drive them to school then I pick them up to take them home. I always spend time with my wife, too."
On his future:
"I want to stay here for as long as possible. I would like to end my career here with Milan. But, no one knows how I will be like in 4 years from now. I want to live in the moment, then we'll see what shall happen."
