Pierre Kalulu reveals what he’s learned at Milan and warns his teammates about their next Serie A clash with Empoli: ‘Every game is difficult in Italy.’
The France defender earned praise after Milan’s 1-0 win over Napoli on Sunday night. He nullified Victor Osimhen and the Rossoneri sealed a crucial victory in the race for the title.
“It was pleasing because it was a tough game against a really strong team. That gives it extra importance, they are also direct rivals. It was nice to get that win,” Kalulu told Milan TV.
“I have learnt the importance of this shirt, this team, the history of this club, I knew it before but not the whole extent of it and I fully get how big this club is in Italy and the world, I’ve learnt the importance of working hard each day,” he continued.
“It might seem simple, but you need to work hard every day to be at your best, to be competitive in every single game and to always be ready
“I think I learnt from a young age how to be a modern defender. When I was at Lyon, earlier in my career, the coaching style at the whole club was focused on being a well-rounded player. Technique, speed, playing with the ball at your feet and reading the game. I was never just a centre-back.
“I’d play a season at centre-back, then six months at full-back. There was always a desire to be a good footballer even in youth football that’s how I see the defender role in general. I’m never afraid when I go on the pitch, I just want to play football and play well.”
The Rossoneri are the Serie A table leaders with a two-point lead over their city rivals Inter who have a game in hand.
“Some games are more important, but to me, they are all the same,” the 21-year-old said.
“Maybe the grounds with the better atmospheres make you wake up a bit more pre-match when the game starts it become instinctive, I just want to play like when I was a kid.
“I was never that quick or strong as I kid. I’ve worked a lot on this since I was 15 or 16 and I am not a lot faster. I can still work on this but I think I’ve improved in all aspects as a defender, I can still improve.
“In general, I always try to be in top form in every regard as a defender. Speed, vision of the game and also going forward.
“It’s always good to stay humble because it will be a difficult game against Empoli. We’re at home but we know that every game in Serie A is tough because all the teams are different. We’ll work this week to be ready for Saturday.”
Have we signed him long term yet ? Do it now !
If I were standing in front of Mr. Maldini it would sound more like this ” Mr. Maldini, o great legend of Milan, please lock down this brilliant young man, Sir !