The MilanNews.it editorial team interviewed the Italian centre-back Matteo Gabbia. Below are all the statements from the Italian defender, now close to returning to action after recovering from surgery in early March.
How are you? Coincidence or not: no Gabbia, no party…
“I’m definitely feeling better. I went through quite a difficult period, also because it was my first operation. It was a time of getting to know my body better, and I’ve improved in certain aspects of managing my physical condition. I have to thank the staff, the physiotherapists and everyone who supported me. They were incredibly important to me, like a family, and I want to say that today. They did an incredible job and I’m grateful. In recent weeks the results haven’t been the best, but we must be good and aware that the season is far from over and that we have an important period ahead to finish it in the best possible way.”
How do you explain the dip in recent weeks?
“I think it’s a mix of things. Over a season there are moments when you struggle more and results don’t come as they did before. We have to stay clear-headed and calm, and show the strength that great champions have, and by great champions I also mean the manager. We must trust the work we’ve done and are doing. I’m sure that will help us come through this negative spell and get back to what we’ve shown for most of the year," he told Milan News.
After last year’s very negative season, how important would it be to return to the Champions League straight away?
“It’s fundamental. Working towards and achieving this objective is an obsession for the whole group. We must keep it in our minds and reach it together. It’s essential that Milan are in the Champions League. Last year was very negative; we must remember how much we suffered at Milanello, not just us players. We must never forget what we went through, so that every day we have the strength to do better and reach our goal," said Gabbia.
How much difference does it make having a coach like Allegri?
“He’s world-class. We all think so within the group. His management of moments, good or bad, is incredible. He always knows which buttons to press. Then it’s up to us on the pitch to absorb his instructions, but he has been hugely important this year. The whole group is happy: we’re very pleased with him and his staff.”
There’s a lot of talk about his future these days. How much would you like him to stay at Milan?
“It’s the wish of the whole team, not just me. I speak on behalf of the group: we’re all extremely happy with the manager and hope he can stay with us for a very long time. But right now the most important thing is results, because they determine everything. We must follow him and give 100%, and then things will go the right way.”
There’s been a lot of discussion about formations, but Rabiot also spoke about attitude after Udinese…
“There’s been a lot of outside talk about formations, but you always have to consider who’s saying certain things and why. We are fully behind the manager. If he tells us to play 1-9, 9-1 or 8-2, we’ll try to do it in the best possible way. We just have to focus on performing at our best and have the clarity and strength to follow his ideas, which have brought us many positive results this year.”
Did the whistles at San Siro after the defeat to Udinese hurt?
“The fans have always given us great support, there have been wonderful nights both at home and away. Of course, when you lose a match like last Sunday, it’s also normal to be whistled. I agree with Rabiot: whoever had been substituted would have received that reaction, it wasn’t directed only at Rafa. It’s not individual, when we’re whistled, it’s about the team. We must always try to bring the fans onto our side. This year we’ve constantly felt their support, we have the highest attendance during matches, and we can only thank them and give everything on the pitch to make them proud."
Has losing the scudetto race affected the team mentally?
“I don’t know if that’s the right interpretation. Over a season there are moments when you’re more or less sharp, and situations arise that may coincide with the league leaders pulling away a bit. But this is the situation now: we mustn’t keep thinking about what might have been or how certain matches could have gone. We must focus only on what we need to do from now until the end.”
What do you take away from a year working with someone like Luka Modrić?
“I take away his greatness. He’s an incredible player and an exceptional person. He shows the stature of a champion in everything, his behaviour, his attitude, his dedication in training and matches, his desire to improve, his refusal to accept mistakes, even though he already makes very few and has won everything. He has incredible passion. I truly hope he stays with us because he’s a fantastic player and an even better person. We’re delighted. Milan has given me the chance to play with such a champion, something few players get in their careers. I can say I’ve played with an extraordinary phenomenon.”
You said you don’t know why certain criticisms come from certain quarters, especially towards Allegri. How much does it bother you that he’s targeted so consistently?
“It doesn’t affect me that much. You always have to consider who’s saying certain things. We work with him every day, so we understand his qualities and why he’s had the career he’s had. It’s never by chance that a coach wins what he’s won or that a staff achieves certain goals. We enjoy having him , we’re lucky to have him, so what’s said outside doesn’t really affect us. We’re proud to have him and happy, and we’re clear about who says certain things and why.”
You’ve experienced several Milan sides in recent years, including this one with technical continuity after Pioli, followed by changes leading to Allegri. How important would it be to continue with the manager?
“It would definitely be fundamental to have continuity. Whenever there’s a change, there’s always a period of getting to know each other, understanding habits, not just the player but the person. Having a longer period together means starting from a different level of understanding and trust, both professionally and personally. I think it would be important. Football, as I always say, depends a lot on results. So Sunday’s match is also crucial, getting a great result and getting back on our path.”
What’s special about Allegri?
“He has the ability and clarity to read situations. In difficult moments he knows when to be tough and when to ease the pressure, what to do in tense situations. He never lets the team feel inferior, he always gets the best out of everyone. His match preparation honestly surprised me. I’ve said it before: most of the time, when he prepares a match, he points out situations that then actually occur during the game exactly as he described. So in many ways, even in how he works, he keeps surprising you.”
What can you tell us, that we might not perceive, about how Allegri works with his staff?
“Honestly, I’m not sure exactly what people don’t understand: I don’t pay much attention to what’s said outside. But that’s normal. From the outside it’s hard to grasp the small details or the things I mentioned earlier. When you have a real, daily working relationship, that’s when you truly understand a person’s value.”
How important is it to win in Verona? It seems like the only thing that matters right now…
“It’s fundamental. It’s a very important match that we’re preparing for in the best possible way this week. We’re working hard and well. It must be approached in the right way, without thinking for a second that it will be easy, because Verona are a lively team that in several matches have deserved more than they got. The game against Fiorentina comes to mind, they lost, but arguably deserved at least a goal. They’re a dangerous side, and we must approach it properly. We need to be focused, sharp, united as a team, to bring home the three points, which right now, as always, are the most important thing.”
On a personal level, it’s been a beautiful year for you, with your marriage and the upcoming birth of your daughter… Gabbia replied:
“It’s been a wonderful year, not just from a sporting point of view, I always say it’s an honour to wear this shirt. But personally as well: between the wedding and now expecting a baby girl, who should arrive soon, it’s all very special. I just hope everything goes well in these final stages of the pregnancy for my wife and our daughter, and that we can also finish the season in the right way, so it becomes a fully positive period and I can enjoy a lovely summer with my daughter.”
The switch to a back three has given you more solidity and confidence. Until recently you were among the teams with the fewest goals conceded in Europe:
“I think that’s partly the reason, but I also agree with what Adrien said. When we play united, aggressive, all fighting until the final second, without that everything becomes much harder, regardless of the formation. What matters is what we have inside us and what we put onto the pitch, that’s what makes the difference. That’s the only thing we must do on Sunday.”
