ABATE: "SAN SIRO HAS TO BECOME OUR FORTRESS"
A special episode of the Milan TV show Coffee Break aired this Wednesday night with special guest Ignazio Abate and the TIM Supercup won in Doha. The current AC Milan captain opened up during the show and these were his words.
THE PAST
"I will always be grateful to Leonardo. He was the first to field me as right wing back. He always believed in me. I also want to thank coach Mihajlovic, because we owe the win in the Supercup final also to him. I wish him all the best. He is a great person who gave a lot to this group, and he was really a positive influence, especially on a personal level".
CAPTAINS
"When we were waiting to receive the medal I immediately thought of giving the captain's armband to Montolivo. We've been through tough periods together, now it's time to celebrate together. When things are not going well it's normal to blame the more experienced players".
THE MATCH AGAINST JUVE
"Before the TIM Supercup match I reminded my teammates of the TIM Cup final. We deserved to win, managing to level the game after they took the lead".
THE TWO SUPERCUPS
"They are different one from the other: the first one arrived with a team which was built to win, with so many great players; while this Supercup, we won it against the odds and this win tastes even sweeter".
THE GROUP
"Bonaventura is without any doubt one of the leaders of the group. But more importantly, throughout the season this group has become stronger. It's made up of young talents and lots of Italian players and I was really surprised with how humble they all are, but we mustn't put too much pressure on our youngsters and I think coach Montella is the right person to prevent this from happening. He knows how to handle the pressure on them. Suso? I think no-one was expecting such a player. More power to him, because since he has come back from his loan period with Genoa he has become a really important player for us. Still, he has to keep working, like everyone else. Compliments please us all, but we must keep showing our qualities".
THE LEAGUE IS BACK AFTER THE BREAK
"We must remember our celebrations after the match in Doha as an incentive to continue to do well in the future. Now we must focus on the league. It's never easy after the break, it's always tricky, no matter who the opponents are. The clash against Napoli? We want to arrive at that meeting having taken home the three points against Cagliari".
TACTICS
"We are all playing a great season. Tactically, I have more freedom of movement, and this helps my offensive style of play. We always try to control the game and to keep the ball. I think this team is improving week after week".
THE TURNING POINT
"The match against Sassuolo where we were 3-1 down and we managed to turn it around and win it 4-3. Our objective is to find continuity, especially psychologically".
FAMILY
"I've been lucky to have a great relationship with my father. He never pushed me to become a footballer. He has always been very respectful and I've always been free to make my choices".
DEBUT
"Rivaldo had left and Mr. Galliani decided to bring me into the first team. A few days later I made my debut in a Coppa Italia match, in Genoa. I remember how fantastic that group was and I am proud I was part of it".
MILAN DNA
"Our history teaches us how to play important matches, and we must play them for our history. Let's say this is part of our DNA. That's what I told the team before the match against Roma: «We are AC Milan and we are here to win»".
THIS SEASON'S OBJECTIVE
"We want to make it back into Europe. I think these two months and a half will tell us what we can achieve this year".
DONNARUMMA
"He's doing really well and I have no doubts about his future, also because Gigio wants only to wear AC Milan's red and black shirt".
MONTELLA
"He has a very balanced character. He never gives up, he's clear headed and thinks positively. He is the ideal manager to keep us improving".
THE FANS
"They are helping us a lot. San Siro has to become our fortress and this is why I'm asking the fans to back us at the stadium".
(Photo LaPresse)
