Aquilani previews Sassuolo-Milan and fondly recalls season spent with the Rossoneri
Alberto Aquilani spoke to the media ahead of Sassuolo’s clash against AC Milan tomorrow, sharing his thoughts on the challenge and his past as a Rossoneri player.
Sassuolo have had a decent start to their season, sitting in 10th place with seven points after five games (2W, 1D, 2L). Aquilani was hired as their new head coach in the summer, joining from Catanzaro, so he still needs some time to fully implement his system.
Given that he spent the 2011-12 season at Milan, linking up well with Zlatan Ibrahimovic (7 assists in total), it will be a special game. Not to mention that he will be up against Alphadjo Cisse, whom he coached at Catanzaro last season.
Aquilani’s pre-match comments
Speaking at the usual pre-match press conference earlier today, as transcribed by MilanPress, Aquilani shared his thoughts on the game and on facing his former club. He also said that he won’t be greeting Ruben Amorim in Portuguese, having forgotten the language after his brief spell at Sporting.
On the game…
“We are facing a strong team. We all know the value of this team and this club. We have done well so far, but we need more cynicism in both areas.
“Games aren’t won by how they are played, but by the moments that determine the match, and we need to be more clinical.”
On some player returns…
“They have all recovered, but obviously they have different paths. So some are ready and some are a little less so, but yesterday was the first day with everyone available.”
On Amorim…
“I will say hello to him in Italian. I don’t remember my Portuguese anymore. I only played one season in Portugal. I was coached by Jorge Jesus, who really inspired me and was very important to me.
“Amorim made history in Portugal. He won there after so many years. He played some top-level seasons. I respect him.”
On his season at Milan as a player…
“I’m proud to have worn that glorious jersey. The moment you step into Milanello, you realise the greatness of the club. I played in a very strong team, I think the last one before they dismantled it. I was also unlucky because I had an injury that affected me.”
