Alexis Saelemaekers spoke to MilanTV as the Diavolo continue their preparation for next season.
The new season is fast-approaching and tomorrow Milan face Real Madrid in Austria for a pre-season friendly (18:30 CET kickoff at Wörthersee Stadion).
Ahead of the match, Saelemaekers sat down for an interview with MilanTV:
On qualifying for the Champions League: “It was an incredible feeling for me, it’s going to be my first time in the Champions League and I think it was a great achievement for the whole group because we worked so hard for it all season long so we could qualify for the Champions League. Now we’ve got it and I hope that we can show in the Champions League that we are a strong team that can do great things.”
On the group: “We have an even stronger group than last year; some great players have joined us like Giroud, Maignan and Ballo-Touré and others. I think we are stronger than last season and that this year we need to prove even more than last season because I think the other teams are also stronger. That’s why we need to work a lot and we have these friendlies to work and show that we are strong this season, too.”
On pre-season: “I think that it is important for us players to be focused, we had a holiday but we need to always be mentally ready to get back to work because it’s good to have a holiday and rest but it’s important to keep training during the holiday so we are ready when we get back. That’s what I did, I went away with my family but always had a part of Milan in my head because I know it’s important when you’re at a great club to always be mentally ready. From the moment we got back to Milanello, the Coach has been telling the whole group how we need to play, what mentality we need to bring to the field and we are trying to do just that during these friendlies. Bit by bit I think the team will grow and we’ll be back ready to start this new season.”
On the UCL: “The Champions League is a great competition, it’s a higher level than Serie A. All the biggest teams in the whole are in it, so we need to be even better-prepared and more focused in every match we play in it to prove that we are a strong group. I think that if we do what the Coach says on the field, we can do well.”
On Maignan: “It’s a little difficult for Maignan now, he’s new to the group and in a new country with a new language to learn. It was tough for me in the beginning, too. I think he’s doing well, he’s already learnt a lot of words and helps the team in every game. I think he’s on the right path to do well, we’re all very happy he’s here with us this year.”
On Giroud: “Giroud is a great guy, he’s won a lot of things. What impressed me is that off the field he’s chill and normal, humble. For a young player like myself, he’s an example. After Zlatan, having a World Champion who’s also won the Champions League, it is an incredible experience for me. I’m very happy he has joined us.”
You talk too much Pioli’s boy. I still.dnt see you worthy wearing a Milan shirt.
Messi is free and we can afford to sign him which makes sense for like 70 mil salary. Lots of revenue incoming due to fans. If I propose we get Messi to solve our RW, any objections?
Messi won’t want to be in the same league with Ronaldo even though he might not come out to say it.
If Messi comes I will get is face tattoo on my balls
or get his balls tattooed on your face
Please Elliot management bring Messi to Milan forgot about any other transfer, just bring Lionel, but football is dying only English club and Paris can afford Messi without any financial problem
Elliott not Acmilan fan enough to bring Messi to San siro, those guys are scared to give a player extra €1m to keep him in the team, a player cost €25m or €35m they’re running away asking for loans.