After a long negotiation, which had already been set in motion last January, Samuele Ricci has finally become a new AC Milan player. His start in the Rossoneri shirt has been a positive one:
“I usually manage to integrate well right away in new environments. The work isn't completely done yet, but I think I’m in a good place thanks to the club, the people working at Milan, and the dressing room that really helped me,” the young Italian midfielder told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“How would I assess these first three weeks? I’ve found a very competent staff, a relaxed atmosphere, and teammates focused on playing an important season. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Ricci then spoke about the strong connection he’s developed with coach Max Allegri:
“We’ve got a good feeling: we’re both from Tuscany, and we understand each other quite well... (laughs). He asks us midfielders to provide solidity: technically, we have to try to concede as few inside passes as possible and move the ball quickly and forward, because we know the quality and speed of our wingers. If we put them in a position to hurt the opposition, even by switching play, it all becomes easier. His advice as a former midfielder? He played in that role too and knows all the secrets. He corrects me and helps me.”
The win over Liverpool was very important, but there’s still a long road ahead and lots of work to do:
“We had also performed well against Arsenal, but we struggled more in possession because we couldn’t develop the play vertically. In Hong Kong, though, we made progress in that aspect and created many chances, especially on the counterattack. We were clinical, just like the coach wants us to be.We knew Liverpool’s quality and stayed focused from the first minute. We had to stay compact and even more solid than in the match against Arsenal, and we managed to do that.
Now what’s the key word? Don’t get carried away.”
Ricci also spoke about Milan’s season objectives:
"Champions League qualification? Beyond being a priority, it’s what Milan deserves. Then we’ll see where we are in the final months... We’ll need to take it step by step and keep listening to the coach during training. The path is the right one, but let’s try not to look too far ahead. Do I want to hear the Champions League anthem? Of course. I think everyone wants to hear it again at San Siro, not just me. That’s why we keep working to bring Milan back to the top.”
Naturally, there was also a question about Rafael Leão, who starred in the win over Liverpool:
“It’s much better to have him as a teammate. We all know Rafa’s qualities, he’s a player who can make the difference for us. Maybe even he doesn’t realize how strong and how talented he really is. If he puts himself at the team’s service, he becomes an incredible added value.”
