The former AC Milan and Udinese left-back, Marek Jankulovski, who is a Serie A, Champions League and Club World Cup winner in Rossoneri colours, spoke about the upcoming fixture for Fonseca's team:
"Match vs Udinese? It will be entertaining. Milan has more to lose because, after the defeat in Florence, if they want to compete for the Scudetto, they can’t afford any more mistakes. Udinese has been the revelation of this first part of the season: they have done very well and deserve their current ranking," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
On Milan's difficult start:
"They didn’t start well because they are struggling to absorb Fonseca’s style of play, but they have a strong squad and there’s time to recover. I have faith: with a good run, they can close the gap on Napoli, who are slightly favored over Inter and Juventus."
On the derby victory, Jankulovski said:
"It was a beautiful and deserved victory. Unfortunately, they lost against Fiorentina, missing two penalties."
On Theo Hernandez:
"He’s a player I really like, one of the best in the world, and it’s no coincidence that he has matched Paolo Maldini’s number of goals in Serie A. In Udine, I took the penalties and free kicks, which is why I scored a few goals, while at Milan, with all the stars there, I didn’t even take them in training matches."
On Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao's connection:
"They are two world-class players," he said. "They need to show it consistently. Everyone expects a lot from Theo and Rafa: you will see they will be decisive."
On Udinese, Jankulovski said:
"What surprises me? The speed with which the new coach has conveyed his ideas. The team started strong and achieved important results despite the departures of players like Samardzic, Perez, and Walace. Against Udinese, you can’t make mistakes because they have a squad capable of beating anyone."
On the clash with Luciano Spalletti during his time at Udinese:
"He thought I wasn’t giving my all because everyone said I would go to Milan. During a technical meeting after a defeat in Messina, he criticised me, and it took Bertotto and Sensini to calm him down. His merit is that he doesn’t hold grudges, and the relationship was mended actually.”
On Carlo Ancelotti:
"An incredible coach, a guide for the group: we won the Champions League and then the European Super Cup, but the most beautiful match of all was the return semifinal against United: a clear and deserved 3-0. Ancelotti is still the best, and Real is right to hold on to him tightly. I also have fond memories of Leonardo and Allegri, even though due to injuries I was able to contribute less.”
The current management…drawing inspiration from the historic one:
"Berlusconi and Galliani changed the entire world of football with their insights. I will always be grateful to Galliani because he brought me in 2005, even though I had broken my fibula. Berlusconi always gave us a special boost when he came to Milanello. Ibra is different because it’s his first experience as a manager, but he has an incredible desire to win. I played with him for a year at Milan, and he wouldn’t accept losing even in training matches… I notice he still likes to take on responsibilities and put himself out there with certain statements. This way, the players feel more at ease."
