Dario Simic, former AC Milan full-back, and one of the current Rossoneri observers in Eastern Europe talks about today's Europa League opponent.
The team of Rossoneri observers, led by chief scout Geoffrey Moncada, has among its members Dario Simic, former full-back of the Rossoneri.
The former Rossoneri full-back, spoke on the columns of La Gazzetta dello Sport of the Red Star Belgrade, today's opponent of Stefano Pioli's men at the Marakana stadium.
Here are the words of Dario Simic:
"They are doing well in Europe, they are very tough. They play for the result. In 2006 they were much stronger. For me their most important player is Degenek, the central defense, but Falcinelli is also scoring a lot."
The former defender also talks about the Rossoneri qualification possibilities:
“Playing without an audience will help AC Milan, I remember that in 2006 the climate was hellish, I think the chances of qualifying are around 70%, we cannot hide the responsibilities that the Rossoneri have. They now have a different philosophy, however, they aim more at established players than at young players."
On Ibrahimovic:
“A phenomenon for any team, even if in the end in football it is important how the whole team plays. I am very happy because Stefano Pioli and Paolo Maldini have managed to bring Milan back to competitive levels. We can dream again. Paolo is a symbol of Milan, his father raised the first European Cup almost sixty years ago. These are things that weigh. Paolo was a captain and a real champion of the team, today he has become the technical director of the club. He just needed a period to learn and he did it with Leonardo and Boban. He is an added value that others do not have. He enjoys the great love of the fans and protects the team in every way."
What do you think of signing Mandzukic, a Croatian just like you?
"At the beginning no one thought about him, but the team has been playing well for a year and a half, the ranking is important, so why not? Inter have great players, but Milan are no less: Donnarumma, Kessie, Hernandez, Ibra.. We can dream."
Who will win the derby on Sunday?
"The derby is always an open game, which can go in all directions. I'm optimistic, because we are starting to see the AC Milan that all of us Rossoneri fans wanted to see."
As a defender, who do you like in Milan's current back-line?
"Romagnoli and Kjaer are very good and I also want to pay attention to Kalulu, who can cover all defensive roles."
Did you discover Kalulu yourself?
"I followed him like other scouts. We work as a team with Moncada,Maldini, and Massara."
Thoughts on Tomori?
"He is a great player as well."