In an exclusive interview granted to Milannews.it, Endre Lübeck, Norwegian journalist for Dagbladet and Serie A expert for Strive Sport, has spoken about AC Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge. Here are his statements:
On Hauge's surprising start with Milan:
"His start in the Rossoneri was really great. I think both the Italians and the Norwegians were a little surprised that he could be decisive so quickly. They usually say it takes a season to adapt to the style of Italian football, so you can say that Hauge's departure was a bit out of the ordinary, precisely because he was able to take the necessary step immediately. For him it all happened very quickly in recent years. In 2018 he played in the Norwegian fifth series with Aalesund 2. In 2019 he did well with Bodo / Glimt in the first league, but he was by no means close to the national team. His season in 2020 however was extraordinary. He was in great shape when he arrived at Milan, I think that it is one of the main reasons why he got off to a good start."
On Hauge's decline, especially at the beginning of 2021:
"I think the reason why he has not maintained the same level this season is that [he] found [himself] in the need to learn in a new club and in a new league, with new teammates and a new language. He has played 18 times in Serie A and he is only 21 years old. Another thing to consider is this season has been really long. The Norwegian league started in 2020, so he played a lot without taking holidays. He probably lacked some confidence in the last few months, but I think the goal against Sampdoria could give him an important boost for the last month and a half in the league."
On whether he thinks Hauge could play more:
"I think an adaptation path is normal, just as it is normal that he has been on the bench for a long time. To be honest, I imagined he would play less than he did. On Milan's lanes there is great competition and his team mates are very strong. I think we could see Hauge more frequently next season, after a proper vacation and preseason."
On the general opinion of Hauge in Norway:
"In Norway we only talk about Hauge if he scores with Milan. Serie A is less considered than the Premier League. He was talked about more when he scored or served assists in almost every game with Bodo / Glimt last season. In the national team, his coach, Stale Solbakken, prefers Moi Elyounoussi of Celtic to him. In the last few matches he played only 45 minutes starting from the bench against Gibraltar."
On whether Hauge should stay:
"It depends on what will happen with the other outsiders and if Pioli will bet on Hauge, or on Leao, Krunic, Saelemaekers, Castillejo or Diaz. In my opinion, it is important that he plays at the highest level. The best thing would be to play at Milan as a starter, but if the competition is the same next year, I think it would be better for him to go on loan to another Serie A club."
