AC Milan play against Rennes tonight in the Europa League. In France, the Rossoneri will try to defend their lead and even return home with another victory. In view of this awaited challenge, L'Equipe has spoken to Yacine Adli who said these words:
"Last year I was young, now I've matured a lot. What struck me the most when I arrived at Milan was the strength of the organisation. I never doubted myself because I wasn't doing badly in training. According to the coach, I needed to make a tactical leap, like all players who come to Serie A. I needed to improve defensively. And then, in the attacking midfielder role, there were Brahim Diaz, who was doing well, and Charles De Ketelaere, who was the big summer signing. I was in a learning phase and hierarchically behind them. It was difficult to secure my place on the field."
Yacine Adli continues:
“I never gave up in training and the intensity was at its maximum in every session. I wasn't on the Champions League list so sometimes I trained alone, with a coach. I didn't want to waste time, I had to be ready for any eventuality. I had a good relationship with everyone, I had weight in the dressing room, I was a reference point, even though I played little. The executives were happy with my commitment and wanted me to stay. Pioli's speech was similar too, I never had any problems with him, I respected his choices as a coach, and the man has always been honest.”
He added:
"Pioli adopted a new system with a holding midfielder and two central midfielders. At the beginning of the season, he told me, ‘We've made other choices, you need to find a way out.’ I thanked him for his honesty and told him he could count on my seriousness until my departure. But then I stayed in the group because I worked hard, and the coach even took me on tour in the United States. There, he told me the club was looking for a defensive midfielder but thought I could have a say. I replied that I had already played in that position... even though I'm not even sure if that's true!"
Yacine Adli concluded:
"I'm quite close to Ibrahimovic. Anyone who knows him will tell you he's an extraordinary man and definitely an added value in someone's life. He manages to analyze things well and give targeted advice. He did it as a player and it's natural for him to do it as a manager. Zlatan used to tell me, ‘Shut up and work, it will come.’ And it did.”
On Olivier Giroud, he said:
"A source of inspiration? Certainly, he's always been doubted and every time he's shown character and maintained top levels. He's an example of determination and perseverance."
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