MILAN ON TOUR: THE PRESS CONFERENCE

New York, first stop. The Rossoneri arrived in the USA on Thursday 25 July, and are now preparing for their first prestigious friendly that will kick off the Soccer Champions Tour 2024: Manchester City v AC Milan at Yankee Stadium. On the eve of the match, following an introduction by CEO Giorgio Furlani, three Rossoneri representatives answered media questions at a press conference from Pingry School in New Jersey, Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović, Coach Paulo Fonseca, and Christian Pulisic. Here are their comments:

PAULO FONSECA

THE FIRST WEEKS OF WORK
"From the very first day at Milanello, we started working on defensive organisation. Our defensive style will be different. I don't want to make comparisons with the past, but it will simply be different. We need to improve in order to win, and for me, it's about the quality of our daily work. We want to control matches and possession. When you have the ball, you don't need to defend, but to build. We also want to be capable of defending off the ball, and we're working on that as well".

THE EVOLUTION OF ITALIAN FOOTBALL
"The Italian league is perhaps the most tactically challenging. Teams are incredibly well-organised, especially defensively, and all Serie A coaches are very attentive to their strategies. It's a really tough league. It's not easy for a foreigner to come in and make an impact immediately, finding space and having a significant effect from the very first season. Compared to my experience in Rome, I believe football has changed a lot, and Italy is no exception. During my two years in France, I noticed differences in Italian teams. Recently, I saw a team like Como showcasing impressive attacking potential for a newly promoted side. I expect more bravery from opposing teams. While Italy is famous for its defensive tactics, today's teams have more offensive instincts".

THE ROLE OF YOUTH
"I believe that AC Milan is preparing well for the future by developing new talent, and with Milan Futuro, the club is making an important step in this direction. We have many young players, even here with us, and I will keep a close eye on them at all times. For me, age is not important. What matters is quality and personality. If they prove ready to play for the first team, I will give them the opportunity".

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ

PULISIC'S RETURN AND MORATA'S ARRIVAL
"When you're working with players of this calibre, you need to help them settle into their comfort zone to get the best out of them. Christian is happy both on and off the pitch, and it shows. When you're content and feel trusted, it's easier to perform at your best and give 200% every day. I've told Morata that AC Milan is the perfect place for him. He's the player we were looking for, and around him, he'll have teammates who will highlight his qualities. We want to make him happy, and if we succeed, we know he'll perform exceptionally. We're looking forward to seeing him back with the team".

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SERIE A AND OTHER CHAMPIONSHIPS
"The Italian league is different from others. The passion of the fans, compared to leagues like the Bundesliga or Premier League, is simply different and more intense. For people, football is very important. They are born supporters of a team and have a special connection with it. For our fans, AC Milan is everything".

PREPARING WITH PRESTIGIOUS FRIENDLIES
"Playing important matches in preseason is definitely different. Teams come in with heavy workloads, including two training sessions a day, preparing for the rest of the season. It's a key and motivating challenge, and for the fans, it's special because they get to see top teams that might face each other in the Champions League. But we're just at the beginning of our work. These games provide something beyond the result. For the coach, it's crucial to imprint his style and philosophy in a short amount of time".

IBRA'S ROLE
"Today I have a different role, but I always try to be myself. I have much to learn, but also much to offer. I work with fantastic people who speak the same language and share the same beliefs. We are a young, driven team, and I look to the future with confidence. I want, and we want, to do well; at a club like AC Milan, the goals are ambitious, and the motivation is high".

CHRISTIAN PULISIC

PLAYING WITH AC MILAN IN THE USA
"It's always an honour to return to play in my home country, and doing it with a historic team like AC Milan is truly special. I don't see myself as a face or a symbol, I just love playing football and being part of this Club. In the stands, for the upcoming matches, I'll have family and friends, and it's not always easy to have them with me in Italy. It will be fantastic. I'm really excited about these coming weeks. I want to help grow this sport in the United States, and I believe that has been happening in recent years. With the World Cup coming up, things will continue to improve in the coming years".

BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND YEAR
"Adjusting to a new club is always challenging. Not speaking the language, moving to a new country, and adapting to a different culture and habits can be difficult. However, the entire AC Milan staff supported me from the very beginning and made me feel as comfortable as possible, allowing me to play my football. It was a great first year, and I'm eager to improve even more in the coming months. Last season was excellent for me individually, but the goal is always to win matches and trophies. I hope to do even better this season and help the team achieve success".

THE LOVE OF THE FANS
"I've witnessed and experienced the passion and enthusiasm of Italian fans first-hand, starting from the first match at San Siro and while exploring the city. The mood of the people shifts based on the weekend's results. If you win, you have the support and love of the fans forever".

The AC Milan PUMA Home Kit for 2024/25 is available: buy it now!