MilanLive.it exclusively contacted Mirko Calemme. With the Italian journalist from AS, who was at the stadium, they discussed the game, which could be a turning point for the Rossoneri and for Paulo Fonseca. Attention was then focused on individual performances, from Tijjani Reijnders to Theo Hernandez. Finally, there was a mention of Arda Guler, the talented player struggling to find space at Real Madrid.
Is it truly a turning-point match for Milan? Will we stop hearing about a 'shaky' bench?
“It’s incredible how Fonseca manages to secure major wins in the most difficult moments. It happened in the derby, and now against Real Madrid. This victory is a significant message and shows how this project can grow. There will be ups and downs, but if the team responds like this at key moments, it means a lot.”
Rafael Leao was among the best, but it was Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders who truly conquered the Bernabeu. What did you think of the Dutchman’s performance? Will he be a hot name in the summer?
“I believe that Reijnders is one of the key players of this team, along with Morata, Theo, and Maignan. He’ll certainly become a major market name, and Milan will have to make decisions about his future. It’s clear that he’s drawing interest from many clubs and could have a breakthrough season this year, even though he has already performed well in recent seasons.”
Do you think that in the winter, Arda Güler, who stayed on the bench, could become the ‘new’ Brahim Diaz and an opportunity for Milan or another team?
“It’s hard to say. First, we need to understand what will happen with Carlo Ancelotti, who needs to regain control of a team that’s a bit adrift. Real Madrid highly values Arda Guler and wants him to get more playing time. For now, I think it’s unlikely he’ll leave Madrid in January, though it’s not impossible. The priority is to see what happens with Ancelotti, as there are no certainties at the moment. He needs to steady the project, which is in real turmoil, and anything can happen in times like this.”
On AC Milan's Theo Hernandez:
“I believe Theo is improving. He had a good game in Madrid, and I feel that there will soon be a meeting where both parties will talk. It’s hard to predict what will happen next; no one knows for sure. I know Hernandez is very attached to Milan, and I wouldn’t rule out a lifetime renewal at this point. Theo has been in Milan since 2019 and would spend most of his career with the Rossoneri. Of course, it would require an important offer for a player who has many proposals from abroad. There’s a willingness to talk, and soon we’ll understand how far both sides are willing to go.”
