Milan defender Pierre Kalulu insists Serie A is ‘underestimated’ and is looking forward to facing Chelsea and his role model Kalidou Koulibaly in the Champions League.
The Rossoneri defender spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport from France’s U21 training retreat.
Milan lost 2-1 against Napoli on Sunday night, seeing the Partenopei join Atalanta on top of the Serie A table, three points clear of the Diavoli.
“Some details made the difference against Napoli. We lost three points, but not everything is wasted. One also learns from defeats,” Kalulu admitted.
“Stefano Pioli tells us every day that this season will be even more difficult. Details decide games, it’s on us to prove that we are the defending champions. I am convinced that the title race will go on until the end, we want to win again.
“Serie A is underestimated. In France, people think they still use Catenaccio, but that’s not the case anymore,” he continued.
“Every team builds from the back, press all over the pitch and the technical level is very high, the same as the competition. There are six-seven high-level games against direct opponents.”
The 22-year-old joined the Rossoneri in the summer of 2020 from Lyon for just €1.2m. He has become one of the regular starters at San Siro, first as a right-back and then as a central defender.
“When Paolo Maldini calls you it’s always special. Now I’ve become a little accustomed to it, but the first time was impressive,” the U21 France international admitted.
“I’m young, but I saw him play and he remains a point of reference.
“He is always there, but never steps into the coach’s shoes. He gives me advice on how to defend or how to deal with a certain striker. Little details that can make the difference.
“He convinced me by saying that he trusted me and that I would have played in the first team and that’s what happened.
“I have no idols, but I get inspiration from Van Dijk and Koulibaly. I try to take their best and put it into practice.”
Pioli was key to Milan’s title win last season, the first one in 11 years. How is the Italian tactician helping the team develop?
“At this level, finding a coach who involves everyone is not easy. I appreciate the high-intensity training. If you do well, he tells you and when there are doubts, he is able to motivate you, remembering that we are a solid and smart group. We are a young team and we’ve improved a lot with him.”
Divock Origi and Charles De Ketelaere are still settling in at the club after moving to San Siro in the summer. Kalulu believes they have the quality to play a crucial role at the club.
The Serie A champions will face Chelsea in the Champions League when the European campaign resumes in two weeks.
“Origi and De Ketelaere have great quality and experience,” the defender said.
“The Chelsea game is a good test to show our worth as Italian champions. Milan’s history is not a burden but a motivation.
“It won’t be easy, but we are proud to have the chance of bringing Milan to the top of European football.”