AC Milan's Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers granted these words to DH Les Sports+ talking about his season and moments. Here are his words:
"Mister Pioli trusts me and is fundamental in a club. But if you miss three or four games in a row, it can change quickly. The pace imposed, for a long time, does not help the players."
Are there criticisms?
"I am happy to have responded to the criticism, as I played and qualified for the Champions League. But I've learned not to listen to them too much. I have improved in terms of maturity. It is an aspect that fades from the outside, but I feel it helps me a lot. Before, I haven't thought about it enough. With experienced players at Milan, we grow. Playing football is fun, but most of all it's a job."
On his style:
"Defending is part of my game. Even when you're not in shape, you have to keep the mentality of fighting for every ball. I try to bring this to the team and I feel it is helping. Mister Pioli understood the type of player I was and put me in the best conditions. I have some freedom to express myself. I owe him a lot. Next season I hope to be more decisive in front of goal, but without becoming a forward waiting for the ball in front. I still have to keep my running statistics."
On not making it to the Euros:
"I'm sorry about that, of course, but at the end of the season I saw the European as the icing on the cake. The cake was the Champions League with Milan. It was very good. I will continue to work in Milan to show the coach that I can be relied on. There is the Nations League in October, the World Cup in Qatar. These are other great dates. I guess coach Martinez will explain it to me next time I'm called up. I don't know why, but I guess he wants to keep the group in place. A new one can sometimes confuse the balance. I can understand, now I'm going on vacation and it will do me good after such a busy season."
On the Ibra-Lukaku clash in the derby:
"I tried not to take sides because I know both players well. Emotions took over in that time. I'm not in a good position to judge them. I tried to calm Lukaku down but he was too angry, it didn't help at all. There's no hatred between the two."
