AC Milan came to win and is convinced it will succeed. Adrien Rabiot avoids talking about the league title and, in line with Massimiliano Allegri, pushes the subject to March when the table will be clearer. He has lifted trophies at PSG and Juventus and feels ready to do the same in red and black.
Rabiot, why this confidence?
"Because everything needed is here, a club like Milan, a solid group in the dressing room, and an important technical staff. Now we work week after week, we give our maximum and we sacrifice ourselves. To win you must always give something extra, you need the mentality the coach brings."
Is Allegri an added value for Milan?
"He is a winner and I like his personality, the way he trains, his passion for football and his ambition. He gives everything and I recognize myself in his thinking. Off the pitch he stays positive, he jokes, he keeps us calm," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
You called him your football father.
"In 2019 I chose Juventus for him. We met months before the end of the season and I liked him right away. When I arrived in Turin he was no longer there, he had been replaced by Sarri. When he returned in 2021 we built a strong relationship."
This is why in August when Milan called you had no doubts...
"Milan wanted me last year too. I was a free agent and we talked. Would the team have finished higher than eighth with me? I do not know. Based on what we are doing now, I say I arrived at Milanello at the right moment. The club also contacted me in July but leaving Marseille was tough. After what happened in the dressing room with Rowe, other Italian clubs reached out, but I knew what I wanted. Early in the market Allegri told me, “We will see what happens”, and something happened. I do not know how he does it, he predicts the future."
Max calls you Crazy Horse, his assistant Landucci calls you Monsieur, in France and Turin you were The Duke. Which is your favourite?
"In Paris I was 'Le Duc' and in Turin I became Il Duca. 'Crazy Horse' fits me, when I start running on the pitch. For Landucci I am 'Monsieur' from the Juventus days. It sounds good."
Allegri says you improved compared to your years at Juventus. Do you agree?
"I feel more like a leader and more mature, but I am not at the top. As long as I play I aim to keep growing. Last season was important for me and I believe I improved again. The same in these months at Milan. I focus on details, I study the opponent videos and my own. When I see on video that I do something right that I was not doing before, I feel satisfied."
You have not scored yet. Ready to do it on Saturday against Lazio?
"I hope so. I want to score as soon as possible at San Siro and away. I like goals and assists, but this is not my main job. I must help the team with runs, tackles, advice and experience. If we keep winning and I do not score it is fine."
With you on the pitch Milan has five wins and one draw in six matches with one goal conceded. How do you explain these numbers? Rabiot comments:
"Maybe the teammates feel more trust and I give them security. I talk a lot, especially in tough moments, to keep everyone focused. I give everything and they feel it."
When you were out with a calf injury, did Allegri push you to return earlier?
"He asked me three or four times a day when I would be back, but he knew the injury was serious and wanted me to play only when ready. A coach who speaks to you often even when you are unavailable keeps you focused on the target. In this too Allegri stands out."
What did the derby leave you with?
"Joy, because this match matters a lot to Milan and to Milan fans. It felt good to win my first derby at San Siro and I am proud of how we played. These three points give us more confidence."
Is it early to talk about the league title? Rabiot responded:
"Yes. Thinking about the title is useless. We try to win every match and hit our targets, the Champions League qualification. As weeks pass we see the group has the right qualities and mentality. Without injuries we hope to be in the position in February or March to fight."
If Mike Maignan keeps saving like this...
"On Sunday he was outstanding."
Do you hope he renews his contract and stays?
"Yes, I hope so like everyone at Milan. Maignan is exceptional and there are not many like him. He is decisive and he loves the shirt. I do not enter the negotiations but I hope he grows here with a coach like Allegri and a group that values him."
Nkunku is not at his best yet.
"He is strong and showed it in the past. We grew up together, him, Mike and me. He arrived from Chelsea out of shape and must adapt to Serie A, but now he feels good and is motivated. I am sure once he unlocks himself he will go on."
Leao is growing fast.
"He works hard in training and yesterday he made several sliding tackles in defence to win the ball. It is good to see a player like Rafa sacrifice himself for the team. Compared to my Juventus period he improved a lot."
Even you who played with many champions are impressed by Modric?
"He is simple and loves football like a kid. In midfield with him I felt good from the first day because he has quality, vision, and helps in ball recovery, running and stepping in when needed. He is extraordinary and he surprises me with the dedication he has at 40. I admire him. I hope to have the same passion at his age."
What memory do you have of De Zerbi?
"Last year we did well. De Zerbi is obsessed with football. When he left the training ground he went home to watch any match. The next day he asked us who watched that match and what we noticed. He was incredible."
On Saturday against Lazio you will meet Sarri again.
"It will be nice to see him. At Juventus we had a strange year. At first I played little but after Covid I was always a starter and we won the league. Sarri is a strong coach."
In less than a month the Italian Super Cup arrives, then at the end of the season the World Cup. Do you still have space in your trophy cabinet?
"I face an important year in which I can win with Milan and with France. I hope to succeed and reach the World Cup final. Against Italy? The playoffs are tough, but I hope they qualify because they should be at the World Cup."
