On the occasion of an event organized by Under Armour at the Brand New House Under Armour in Piazza Gae Aulenti, AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw answered questions from the media outlets.
Here are his statements:
This year you've almost always played in a back four, while last year and at Schalke you played in a back three. Where do you feel more comfortable?
"I don't think I need a specific tactical setup to defend well. You have to defend together with other players, it doesn't matter if it's three or four, but how you defend, whether it's three or four. I feel comfortable with both systems."
In recent days, there has been talk of interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in you…
"It's part of football, there always have to be news... My focus is on Milan. Next season, I want to do better. I am focused on myself and the team's performances."
It has been a particular season for you, also because of the long injury... How do you evaluate your season?
"I can do better, it's something I can learn from, grow mentally and physically. When things don't go as you would like, you can always learn from them. You shouldn't be discouraged, you have to move forward and try to do better. In football, the most important thing is to be available. If you're not, you can't improve and you can't have your say on the field. The most important thing for me is to be healthy next season and continue to improve on the field."
What do you think of Paolo Maldini? Thiaw replied:
"As a player, I can't say much, I've seen him little, only on YouTube. But he's one of the best, if not the best defender of all time. It was really a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with him for a year. Did he give me special advice? Yes, of course, but I'll keep them to myself (laughs)."
Thoughts on the fans' protest:
"Milan is truly a great team, we haven't achieved the results we wanted and they have every right to be angry because they love the club. We definitely have to do better. Sometimes you love a team so much that you may not be satisfied with what happens on the field and the players' performances. We have to accept it, listen to what they say, and see what we can do better next season."
Regarding the transition from German football to Serie A, Thiaw said:
"It was a nice challenge for me to move from the Bundesliga to Serie A, it's a tough league. It's very tactical, the attackers are really strong physically. Here you have to be focused for the full 90 minutes."
Do you remember the day you found out that Milan was interested in you?
"Yes, I remember. I was having lunch with my brother and my mom, my agent called me telling me that I had to have a call with Maldini, he wanted to talk to me. I was very surprised."
Do you feel like one of the leaders of this Milan?
"No, not yet. It's not something that comes quickly, I have to earn it on the field and over time."
Do you still hope for a call-up for the Euros? Thiaw said:
"Of course, I want to be there. Let's see if I will be called up or not."
