Milan Futuro's head coach, Daniele Bonera, spoke to the media in a press conference to present the project with Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Read the Swede's interview here). Here are his words:
Thinking back to your early days at Milanello, what emotions do you feel?
"There's great satisfaction and pride. There are many similarities to my journey as a player or collaborator. Maybe I have a few more grey hairs now... Now we're really starting to work, and I have a great sense of responsibility in working with the boys, for their growth and to bring as many as possible into the first team."
What kind of team will be assembled? Will there be experienced players?
"We have identified profiles. We are evaluating, especially from a human standpoint: we need players who can contribute technically and also help the younger ones understand what Serie C football means. There will be challenges, but I am well supported in this journey."
Will you try to use Paulo Fonseca's same playing system?
"When this project was proposed to me, I had the pleasure of discussing with Zlatan the growth of profiles: there are talented players who need nurturing. They need to grow mentally and as individuals. There will be total synergy also tactically with Fonseca, with daily exchanges of players with the first team."
Have you spoken with Gerry Cardinale?
"I have direct contact with Zlatan, with Jovan (Kirovski), and with everyone at Milan Futuro. They are my points of reference right now."
Have you spoken with Paulo Fonseca, what kind of person have you found?
"Through Zlatan, we preferred to speak one-on-one on Monday: then we have two weeks before the tour in America. We will have plenty of time to spend together."
Do you intend to carry out the same preparations or training methods as the first team?
"I prefer to discuss this on Monday. There will be synergy also in terms of preparation, but then it's normal that I will have to bring my own methods. I have learned something and will try to apply it: however, the tactical and preparatory line will be shared."
Camarda is emblematic of Milan between present and future: do you want to connect these young players with experienced players? And what sense of responsibility do you have in coaching such a talked-about player?
"This responsibility towards Francesco is shared by everyone, from ownership downwards. It's clear that his name creates a buzz but I have to help him grow, just like many other players who have already touched the first team. I am confident because the club's directive is to nurture the players. We will have no problems supporting Camarda in his growth as a player: he has a long way to go and we will support him. Jovan has an extraordinary journey and he, like his teammates, will have all the club's attention."
What do you think of Group B and Milan's opponents?
"I saw the group draw. In the last month and a half, I have personally attended Serie C matches: I have seen many teams. I was struck by the intensity, the physical impact: I tried to imagine the boys competing. In this group, there are historical places with a past, it won't be easy and we will need to be good at shortening the learning curve and understanding where we stand."
Regarding the clash with Ignazio Abate? Have you been in touch?
"I haven't spoken to him recently but we've always seen each other here at Milanello. There has always been synergy. Fate has meant we met immediately and I'll be happy to speak with him soon and see him."
Opportunities to introduce more Italian players into the first team?
"Yes, this is a topic that requires a lot of consideration. I believe it's an opportunity to coach Italians who can then be integrated. But always identifying talent and a player profile that fits the first team's requirements, beyond nationality."
What is your impression of Atalanta U23? Prospects of facing experienced coaches like Baldini (Lecco), Stellone, Carrera...? Bonera answered:
"I did the UEFA Pro course with Baldini and I will be happy to see him again. For me, it's a great opportunity and a path where I am now a protagonist after five years of apprenticeship. I have marked my ideas and projects. It's a big responsibility. Seeing the matches live, you realize that the difference between Serie C and Primavera is very impactful physically. We will need some players with more experience to help us."
