Spanish defender Mario Gila, who has moved from Lazio to AC Milan last summer, has spoken in an interview in the occasion of 'Trento Sports Festival'.
Did you expect things to turn out this way?
"No, I didn't expect it... It's wonderful."
This summer, Milan signed three key players: Ramos, Moreira and Gila. Everyone agrees that Gila has been the most successful signing.
"I'd like to thank everyone for those words. I'm very happy to be at this club. We had an important transfer window financially and brought in some key players for the project. I try to help the team in every situation and give everything I have on the pitch. Bringing in these players is a good start towards getting Milan back to the top. Not necessarily at the level the club has reached throughout its history just yet, but it's a starting point for growing and making the fans happy."
Were you approached by other big Italian clubs? Napoli, Atalanta, Inter...? You chose Milan instead.
"There were several clubs interested. I chose Milan because when a club with such an important history comes calling, it's difficult to say no. Other clubs might be in a more satisfying position at the moment, but helping Milan get back to winning trophies is something you can't find elsewhere," as relayed via Milannews.it.
Had Inter also approached you?
"Yes."
Why did you choose Milan?
"We know that Milan haven't been at the same level as Inter or Napoli in recent years. But playing for a club like this and trying to help them win would be a much greater satisfaction than playing for a team that is already winning trophies."
On Amorim:
"Amorim is a coach who instils determination in his players and demands an aggressive approach to pressing. He's a modern coach, suited to European football. We're at the beginning of the project and need time, but the results will come."
So, where would you place Milan's current level? How far are you from reaching the level you're talking about?
"For me, our current level is where we are now, in the Europa League. Last year, we failed to qualify for the Champions League, even though we were in contention throughout the season. For one reason or another, we didn't make it, and ultimately our level is the Europa League, regardless of whether external factors played a part. Now we have to work. Our main objective is to qualify for the Champions League and compete for the Scudetto. We're Milan, and we have to think ambitiously. Last season was a very good one, but we didn't reach the Champions League. So, we're a Europa League team at the moment, but with Champions League and Scudetto ambitions."
"Amorim is a coach who asks a lot of you in every aspect of the game. You're not necessarily as tactical, perhaps you're a little more aggressive, but he likes to build from the back. In modern football, you have to be strong in both phases of the game. He's a demanding coach, but he also understands that we're at the beginning of a project. His intentions and ideas are absolutely right. We're happy to have him in the team."
On Milan's start to the season, Gila said:
"We started very well. Then we had some more difficult games. We drew against Juventus and Lazio, and those aren't easy grounds to play at. The results haven't been that bad, but Milan demand that you win everything, all the time. You feel the pressure. The atmosphere around the club changes when you fail to win a game, and the energy isn't as positive. These are things you can understand because we're at the beginning of a new project. There's an intention to play attractive, modern football, and the results are there... Yes, we lost to Benfica, but then we put in a very good performance against Lecce. The results will come."
Are you that important to the team's defensive balance? Can you now last the full 90 minutes?
"I'm not that important... I just try to help. You read all these comments, and then against Lazio we concede two goals down my side. I'm not that decisive. Maybe I put in some good performances and can help the team a lot, but I don't think there's any one player who's that decisive, unless you're talking about the Ballon d'Or. There are different situations... I'm not that important. In the first few games, I wasn't at my best because I was coming back from an injury and couldn't finish matches. In the last few games, I've stopped worrying about whether I'll have to come off or not. Now I can stay on the pitch and help the team."
In a back four, would you enjoy playing as a full-back?
"We'll have to see. Against Lecce, we got positive results in both phases of the game. We played much better football than in some of our previous matches and scored some good goals. We'll have to see and adapt to the teams we face. I saw a very determined and solid team out there, fully committed to the game. I'm happy we found that solution against Lecce."
"Full-back? I like it. It motivates me. Sometimes, as a centre-back, you enjoy your role, but players need new challenges. Playing in a different position can help you learn new things and understand new situations. I like this position because it helps me improve, but also because I get to attack more (laughs)."
On Gonçalo Ramos:
"We know we have to provide him with service. He's doing very well with Portugal. As a team, we need to improve because we know he's an important figure up front. He hasn't scored that many goals, but it depends on the context he's playing in. We have to work hard as a team to put him in the best possible conditions."
Who was your idol growing up?
"Sergio Ramos was my idol when I was young. During my 14, 15, 16 and 17-year-old years, I experienced a version of Ramos who was incredibly aggressive. He won so much, and I loved his determination, his style and what he brought to the team. That's why he was my idol.
"When it comes to Milan, the player I look up to the most, without taking anything away from the others, is Nesta. I like the journey he made from Lazio to Milan, and I identify with him. He's an example for me. I've made the same move. There are so many others: Maldini, Costacurta... The best defenders were all at Milan. They were all outstanding."
What kind of relationship do you have with your fellow Milan defenders?
"I feel really good with them and with the team. I didn't expect it to be like this. I thought I'd get along well with everyone, but not this well. They're guys who make you feel welcome straight away. Leao, who was with us, Maignan, Pavlovic, Camarda, Bartesaghi... I get along really well with all of them. Pavlovic is a proper beast... (laughs). I really like the teammates I have, and I'm very happy."
You made two appearances for Real Madrid, but never played alongside Modric there. You've now had the chance to play with him at Milan.
"I spent three or four months with the first team during my final season at Real Madrid, and I'm very happy that Carlo gave me my debut. You could see in training how incredible he was.
"We shared an experience together. I used to go to training as a youth-team player, but I was aggressive. I didn't hold back, I was reckless and didn't think about hurting anyone. But you have to look after your teammates. I'd gone in hard on Rodrygo a couple of times, and he'd shout: 'He's still the same, Carlo!' Ancelotti then came over and told me I had to be more careful.
"Modric helps us enormously. He's a player who gives you everything, a leader. His humility is difficult to find. You see him so calm, despite being a Ballon d'Or winner who has won six Champions Leagues. It's incredible. You learn so much just by being around him."
Why did Barcelona and Real Madrid let Gila slip through their fingers?
"Back then, I was an average kid, to be honest. I was a good boy and did well at school, but I also caused a bit of trouble. Barcelona never really came forward with a concrete offer. They weren't sure about me and perhaps thought I was a bit of a troublemaker.
"Real Madrid, on the other hand, wanted me to join them, and I had no doubts at that moment. Even if Barcelona had been close to home, turning down Real Madrid would still have been difficult.
"I had four wonderful years there, one in the youth academy and one with the Under-19s. Then I went to Lazio, as they decided that was the path I needed to follow. And now I've ended up at Milan, where I'm very happy. I have no regrets."
Sarri was your coach at Lazio. What are the differences between him and Amorim?
"Everything. They're different as coaches, too. But Sarri taught me a lot. Things were very difficult with him at the beginning, and he knows that. In terms of my development, it was a situation I deserved. He had given me an opportunity, and I hadn't made the most of it. So he decided I wasn't ready, and I didn't play for a few matches. That experience helped me grow.
"Then I regained my importance within the team. He's an incredible person, but on the pitch he's a tough, demanding and very traditional coach.
"There are differences with Amorim. Sarri is more tactical. Amorim likes to push forward more, and perhaps you don't have the same level of control over the game. They're two completely different experiences, but both help you grow and teach you a great deal."
It's strange that you haven't been called up to the national team. Is it possible for Spain to do without you?
"I think so, they've won the World Cup (laughs). I'm very happy. It's been four years since I last played for the national team, back when I was with the Under-21s. I've only been called up once since then.
"I have to keep working; there's nothing else I can say. I'm doing the work I need to do, and I can't tell you otherwise. I'm happy with what I'm doing. But I still have to do a little more to earn a call-up through the coach's choice, rather than because someone else gets injured. I have to keep working, and I'm sure the opportunity will come.
"It's one of the most important goals I have in mind. Playing for your country is a source of pride, and seeing how well Spain are doing gives me even more motivation. It's the biggest ambition I have."
Gila, how realistic is the objective of qualifying for the Champions League with Milan? Which teams are competing with you?
"I think qualifying for the Champions League is a very realistic objective. We have the squad to do it. It's true that we're at the beginning of a project, but I think we can develop some very positive momentum.
"Last year, we came close to achieving it, but ultimately didn't make it. We're still right there. We shouldn't get discouraged. Inter are stronger at the moment; they've had a project in place for four or five years with Inzaghi, and now they have Chivu. Roma have had Gasperini for a year and a half. It's normal that they're further ahead.
"I'd like to see where today's Milan would be after five years. It would be a stronger Milan after five years of working on the same project.
"There's Como, who are very strong, although I don't consider them stronger than us. Then there's Napoli, Atalanta and Juventus. It's a wonderful league, with seven or eight teams capable of competing. It's great to play at this level. In La Liga and the Premier League, it's usually the same three or four teams winning. It's difficult in one sense, but it's also good because it helps you grow."
What about the Europa League? Does Milan have a squad capable of competing in the competition?
"Yes, we consider ourselves good enough. The first game wasn't a positive performance. We faced a strong team, and Benfica are a very high-level side. I think we can have a wonderful European campaign. Going far in the competition could certainly give us an extra boost as we prepare for next year's Champions League. The Europa League is one of the most important objectives of the season. We all think that way, and we'll do well."
Which other teams do you see as contenders in Europe?
"Among the four main contenders, I'd include Milan. Milan, Juventus, Benfica and Bournemouth. I consider those the teams capable of going furthest. But in a competition like this, so many things can happen. Milan-Benfica could easily be a semi-final. It wasn't a very positive result for us, but we have to take the negatives and use them to improve."
"The final? Milan-Juventus (laughs). It could happen. It would be nice to have two Italian teams there. Otherwise, let's say Milan-Bournemouth. We've got a good group, haven't we?"
Cardinale has been very close to the team during these first few months. Had you spoken to him before joining Milan? What does he tell you during these meetings?
"I spoke to him after signing, and he told me he was very happy. I didn't know he hadn't been particularly close to the team in recent years.
"From what I've seen, he intends to be very close to the team. I can see how much he cares. He gets involved and listens a lot. It's not his job to be a coach or a player, so it's important that he listens to the leaders, such as Luka, Gabbia and Maignan.
"I can see that he wants to get closer to the team and listen. But he's not someone who comes in and imposes himself. He asks what he can do to understand his role and how he can give you that extra something. He takes a step back, but makes sure the team knows he's there.
"When you see that your president is close to you, it gives you something extra. It makes you feel that you want to give even more for him. His presence is important to us, and it will do us a lot of good."
Maignan, Modric and Gabbia are the leaders. Do you also speak up in the dressing room?
"Yes, I like to make myself heard. It also helps take some of the tension away. I enjoy communicating and bringing some energy to the team.
"I don't see myself on the same level as Modric, Maignan or Gabbia. Their journeys have been much more important than mine. Rabiot and Pulisic are leaders on the pitch, too.
"The ones you hear from the most are Maignan, Gabbia and Modric. Luka is quieter, but I consider him a leader. He knows how to give you the right advice, but he isn't someone who starts shouting like Sergio Ramos, Maignan or Gabbia might. I still consider him a leader. Whatever he says carries a lot of weight."
What have you learned from Gabbia and Maignan?
"Gabbia strikes me as a very hard-working person. He works like crazy and never gives up. He's a player who left, came back and did extremely well. I see a lot of myself in him. We've both improved through difficult moments.
"I like Maignan's presence. I knew he was someone who made himself heard, and he brings so much determination to the team. You learn a lot about leadership from him. He commands the defensive line from behind, and that's important."
On Camarda:
"Camarda is a really funny guy, and so is Barte. The four of us, together with Gabbia, have a lot of fun. I see Camarda as a little brother, like the kid I used to be. He has enormous potential, but he's not in an easy situation. Milan have to be patient with him. He's a gem.
"He can help the team a lot, and he's still very young. He has a lot of developing to do. I'm very fond of him. I've only known him for three months, but sometimes you just make a connection with someone. I have so much fun with him, Barte and Gabbia. With the Italians, but also with everyone else."
Has anyone impressed you during training?
"Camarda. Young players need to feel important. I think he can help us enormously. If you give him the right confidence this year, he can establish himself as a Milan player. Then it's up to him to prove it. But I think he can become an important player for Milan's future."
Have you been following your teammates while they've been away with their national teams?
"I've watched Gonçalo, who's doing very well, and Luka. Spain are also doing extremely well."
Could Yamal win the Ballon d'Or?
"He's incredibly talented. He can do so much for Spain. He's still so young, and it's crazy how good he already is. It's difficult to handle that kind of position at such a young age. But he has the right mentality and plays because he enjoys himself. That helps him a lot. I think he'll be the one to win it."
A question from the audience: Bring him to Milan!
"Maybe (laughs). Cardinale will have to perform a miracle (laughs). But I don't think he's for sale at any price..."
What about scoring goals yourself?
"A goal every now and then wouldn't hurt. Maybe I could score more if I play at full-back. I'd like to contribute much more in attack. They haven't come so far, though. The percentage is very low (laughs)."
On Franco Baresi:
"I knew him as a player. Since I wasn't in Italy, Spanish football left a much stronger impression on me, which is why Sergio Ramos was my idol.
"When he passed away, I'd only been at Milan for two weeks. I was surprised by how emotional everyone at the club was. It wasn't just the people who had shared moments with him. Everyone felt his loss.
"It was a difficult moment for Milan, but also a very special one when the tribute to him took place during Milan-Venezia. The emotion he inspired throughout the club, on a global level, was incredible. He was clearly so important.
"We're very sorry for his loss, and we hope to achieve great things this season to make him proud as well."
