Alexis Saelemaekers celebrated his 50th Serie A appearance with an excellent assist as the Diavolo beat Venezia 2-0.
Stefano Pioli gave rest to some of his starters as Milan took on Venezia at Stadio San Siro last night on Matchday 5 of Serie A. However, at the 60′ minute mark he brought on three of his usual starters and they changed the game in favor of the Diavolo, allowing Milan to collect three points against the newly-promoted side.
Theo Hernández stole the show with a goal (82′) and an assist to Brahim Díaz (68′), but Saelemaekers, who came on to replace Alessandro Florenzi on the right wing, was also instrumental in turning the match around, with his excellent dribbles and assist to Theo.
“I’m very happy for my 50th match in Serie A and I’m happy that we won and that the whole team is doing well,” the Belgian told MilanTV at the end of the match.
On coming off the bench: “It’s true that our last few matches weren’t the easiest games, but today I came on in a bit more of a determined fashion and I really wanted to help the team. I think I did this and I’m happy. Theo also came on and made the difference, which is the most important thing. A team needs to have players who come on with such a desire to win.”
On the next game: “Spezia are a strong team, we saw this last year. We must not underestimate them but we’ll listen to everything the Coach says this week, I think we can do well.”
Speaking to Sky Italia, Alexis said: “I tried to help the team and I succeeded, thanks also to my teammates. The substitutes had a good impact and we are happy.”
On if he’s aiming for the Scudetto: “A competitive team always wants to win, and that is what we will try to do this season. We’ll try to do something beautiful.”
On if they are talking about the Scudetto: “I think it’s a competitive team that wants to win, we do not start out looking to finish second or third. We’ll take it one game at a time and see what happens, but we are aiming for the top.”
On if he feels like a better player since he’s joined Milan: “Obviously, the work done by the coach and the faith he has in me does help me to grow, but so does the team. We talk a lot, we’re a young group and help each other out. It’s important to have that environment.”
On his role and duties: “I have more defensive characterizes compared with Leão and Rebić, so Pioli makes me play with a more defensive role but he also has me attack, and this is important because I like to do both phases.”
Saelemaekers also had an interview with DAZN: “I was complimented on the second goal, but it’s the work of the whole team. We work hard at Milanello and today we managed to score a goal: it’s the most important thing.”
On the Scudetto: “We are a competitive team, we try to do things well. But it’s take it game by game and see what happens at the end of the season.”
On his path: “I try to do my job, to show that I’m a player ‘da Milan’ and that I can help the team every match. I’m happy to please the fans and I will try to continue like this.”
On intensity: “Also in the training the ball moves fast, even if we play on a slightly smaller pitch. You always have to be ready, also in training.”
You are growing so well. Keep up the good job and continue what you did last night in every game!
“A competitive team always wants to win, and that is what we will try to do this season. We’ll try to do something beautiful.”
attaboy, now we’re talking. if u and leao can improve on ur final balls and shooting, u’ll be world class. all the best