Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s star shined the brightest last night as Milan beat Bodø/Glimt 3-2 last night at San Siro and he spoke to DAZN afterwards.
Çalhanoğlu was once again at the center of everything for Milan last night as he scored a beautiful brace and gave a wonderful assist to Lorenzo Colombo, so the Diavolo could win 3-2 and advance to the Europa League play-off round.
In the role of the trequartista, Hakan has found new life and he’s continuing his form from the second half of last season. Even without Zlatan Ibrahimović on the pitch (the Swede is positive for COVID-19), the Turkish showed his class. He spoke to DAZN after the game:
“We knew that it was going to be a difficult match, they played well and had a lot of quality up front. We conceded the goal immediately but we reacted well. We had many chances. In the second half we did not play like we wanted, but the important thing was to win and pass the round.
“Ibra’s absence? Yes, we knew that Zlatan wouldn’t be there and for the young players it was an opportunity to show off, like Colombo who did well. First match and first goal, he must continue like that. Then there are many other young players who are doing well, we know that when Zlatan comes back we are even stronger.
“If I’ve ever felt this good mentally? I’m free in the head, the coach gives me his confidence. I feel comfortable in my role, I’ve said in many interviews that I want to play in this position and now the coach lets me play there. I’m very happy, my qualities can come out. But the important thing is that we won.
“How much desire do I have to demonstrate what I can do also in a full stadium? I’m happy for this game, but now we have to look to the next game against Crotone.
“Can we make it all the way to the Europa League? Yes, we’ve won many games post-lockdown and we want to continue like this.
“If the heel assist to Colombo planned? Yes, I saw that there were two players close to me, I tried the heel pass and it went well. I’m happy for Colombo.
“Which one of my goals is better? Both are beautiful.”
