Boateng: ‘Difficult on the bench’

Kevin-Prince Boateng admits it’s “difficult” being on the Milan bench but “the team is the most important thing”.

The midfielder re-joined the Rossoneri in January, having been released by Schalke 04, but hasn’t made a single Serie A start.

“I have a role that’s a bit different for me,” Boateng told Milan Channel.

“I’ve always been a protagonist and a starter. Personally this is a bit of a difficult period for me, but the team is the most important thing.

Kevin-Prince Boateng admits it’s “difficult” being on the Milan bench but “the team is the most important thing”.

The midfielder re-joined the Rossoneri in January, having been released by Schalke 04, but hasn’t made a single Serie A start.

“I have a role that’s a bit different for me,” Boateng told Milan Channel.

“I’ve always been a protagonist and a starter. Personally this is a bit of a difficult period for me, but the team is the most important thing.

“I’m more mature now, I have more experience than before. I’m not saying that’s always an advantage.

“Before I played with a clear head, I didn’t think too much, I just went out there and did what I wanted to do.

“Now maybe I think more, and maybe that holds me back a bit, so I’m looking for a balance of the two things. Before the Derby [with Inter] I thought about what to say to the team for a week.

“I found the squad to be a little uncertain, but it’s normal because they were coming from a period of not winning.

“We’ve grown a lot, now I can see a young team. People say we’re not a team but I can guarantee you that we are.”

Boateng was then asked where he sees himself fitting into Sinisa Mihajlovic’s team.

“For a Coach it’s an advantage to have a player like, because I can play in different positions.

“The fact that we’re playing without a trequartista holds me back a bit. In a 4-4-2 I can play as a second striker, pivoting around the main striker.

“I’ve talked to the Coach, I told him I’ll even play in goal! I’m fit, I’m at 100 per cent.

“The Coppa Italia final with Juventus? There’s no need for big speeches to prepare for a final. I’ll speak when it’s necessary.

“If they need me, I’ll be there.”