AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic spoke ahead of the Europa League clash between Red Bull Salzburg and Milan, which is part of the second matchday of the league phase.
Congratulations on your contract renewal. What changes for you when playing in a back three or a back four, as you have done in recent matches?
“Thank you for the congratulations. I am very happy. Thanks to the coach and the management. I am happy to be here and I hope things will be even better in the future.
“As for the defence, we also played with a back three in the past. The important thing is that we know exactly what we have to do. When the instructions are clear, it makes no difference whether we play with three or four defenders.”
Have you asked the coach to play you as a striker?
“I think I need to prove that I can play up front. It was the fun side of me speaking [at the Gentleman Award ceremony, ed.]. I hope to score soon.”
You played here for two years. How does it feel to be back?
“I have already seen some familiar faces. I am happy to be back here and I cannot wait to play. I achieved a lot here. It will be an emotional match for me.”
Your contract renewal comes at a particular moment. How has Pavlovic changed? What is your biggest dream?
“Thank you again. I have changed a lot. It has been two years, and this is my third season. It feels different when you play for a club like Milan. There is different pressure and different objectives.
“For me, the perfect year here will be one in which I win trophies. That is the biggest dream for any Milan player.”
When you walk through Milanello and see the pictures of Cesare and Paolo Maldini, Stam and others, do they inspire you or make you feel apprehensive because you are seen as their successor?
“We are fortunate to have all these pictures at Milanello reminding us which club we play for. It is a responsibility, but it is also an honour to be part of Milan. I am trying to become better every day, just like all the champions who have played for Milan.”
