Former Milan forward Andriy Shevchenko gave a long interview to today’s edition of Tuttosport. He spoke about Milan, Leao, and Modric. Here are his statements.
On whether he likes this Milan, he commented:
"I like the enthusiasm inside Milan. The players have embraced the ideas and structure Max brought. I never worked with him, but I know him and I rate him. Allegri has an impressive career, with a style you like or you dislike, he has still managed to pull the whole group to his side and results follow. The squad fits his football. There are strong and experienced players like Modric, Rabiot, Maignan, Leao, Pulisic. The energy shows the squad is present. You cannot say it is the favorite for the title, it is too early, but Milan is there and the moment is good. The absence of European matches gives an advantage in preparation and energy."
On whether Leao would have played in his Milan, Shevchenko commented:
"Yes. I do not know if as a starter, but he would have had space because he is a forward with unique traits. True or false nine? Leao is not a pure striker, he is a wide player. If you keep the block lower, so you use his best traits and free his runs, Rafa has the quality to do it well, because when he has space ahead he burns everyone with his speed. It is different when space closes. Max is trying him there now, we will see. Results are positive now, Leao is scoring and learning a new role. It will not always be simple. As a striker you need to strike in every situation."
On whether Milan needs a Shevchenko-type player for small teams
"Or a Pippo Inzaghi, or a Hernan Crespo. When you have to attack and play in the mud up front, in tight spaces, you need real strikers who need one second to beat opponents to the ball. Maybe yes, to be complete Milan would need such a striker. But this league has no master, it is open with good matches, with surprising teams like Como. I watched some of their highlights, they are having an excellent season."
On Luka Modric, Shevchenko said:
"Modric does not need comparisons. He is a top player who came to Milan with strong desire. He still has a lot to give and it is good to see a champion like him work like that."
On San Siro:
"It is right to build a new stadium if the new stadium respects the past and carries the history of San Siro. It must not become something completely different."
