Jaap Stam, former centre-back of AC Milan for two seasons spoke to the microphones of La Gazzetta dello Sport about the Rossoneri team.
Here are his words:
"Milan is growing, and the development of the project is going very well. They are not yet at the top of the Serie A standings, but they will have the opportunity to get closer to the top positions: only three months have passed, and there are still many matches to play."
Can the Scudetto be dreamed of?
"Yes, because even the others will drop points along the way. That happens to everyone over the course of a season."
On the inconsistent results, Stam commented:
"There is no need to be worried or disappointed. This team will improve and show all of its qualities. When you change the coach, you need to be patient, but Milan has players who can make the difference."
On Rafael Leao:
"He was decisive in Madrid and confirmed that he has extraordinary qualities."
On his countryman Tijjani Reijnders, Stam said:
"Reijnders is a great player, and as a Dutchman, I'm happy he's showing that. In the summer of 2023, when he left AZ Alkmaar, I hoped he would go to Ajax: he would have been the perfect player for that system, but at Milan, he has grown, and I understand his choice. He joined a fantastic club that has written history. Tijjani can do everything: he's good at passing, carrying the ball, and escaping pressure, but he can also finish. I'm not saying he's already one of the best midfielders in the world, but he will become one because I'm convinced we haven’t yet seen all of his potential. Milan is doing well to hold on to him, because the top clubs in the Premier League are probably already following him."
Stam's on his memories at AC Milan:
"I have great memories of my time in Milan, and it was fantastic, even an honor, to play with exceptional champions in a club that had a leadership team made up of real leaders. President Berlusconi was an important person and a very pleasant man. I still remember him fondly. Under him, Milan was always at the top in Europe, where they deserved to be and where they deserve to return. After Manchester United, Milan is a team in my heart, although I also have good memories of Lazio."
What does Milan need to catch up to Inter?
"Time to work, because the gap isn’t huge. To win the Champions League, however, they will need more quality signings."
