Yacine Adli, AC Milan's midfielder, talks to the media today in a press conference ahead of tomorrow's Europa League clash against Slavia Prague. It is a match valid for the first leg of the round of 16.
Here are his words:
"Just as against Rennes, we play the first match at home, so we will try to put intensity on the field and put pressure on the opponent. We know they are strong, so we will be ready."
On the importance of the Europa League competition, Adli said:
"When Milan plays in a competition, the objective is always victory. It's not the Champions League, but the level is high and we are also at a high level: to show it, we have to win."
On the choice between the France and Algeria national teams:
"As a player, I want to play at the highest level, and it's certainly an objective to play for France. I will explain why later, but now is not the time."
On improving in defence:
"I think we've worked a lot on this aspect that was lacking for me last year. It was easier to work on because I was aware of it. The coach and the staff have given me everything to grow. I have to keep going, but I'm happy because things that I didn't see before, I see and understand now. For me, it's a big step."
Yacine Adli added:
"Nothing special has clicked in me. My game is different because the role is different, but I believe I've always had the trust of the staff and teammates. Last year, I lacked this aggressiveness, and there were strong players. I needed time, but I was ready for this because I had been told that time would be needed in Italy."
He continued:
"Help from the French group last year? When I arrived, it was easy for me to integrate with them, but I immediately built a good relationship with everyone and still have it now. There's no one who helped me more than another. This helped me a lot during that time."
When did you create the circumstance which brought you here to this press conference? Yacine Adli replied:
"I didn't create anything; I'm someone who believes a lot in God, so all things come from Him. I just try to do my best every day in my work, with my family, and to be a good person."
