Juraj Kucka says Milan 'weren't a group last year, but can return to being one under Vincenzo Montella'.
The Coach is happy about the improvements shown by the Rossoneri in their games so far, and the midfielder echoed his sentiment.
Juraj Kucka says Milan 'weren't a group last year, but can return to being one under Vincenzo Montella'.
The Coach is happy about the improvements shown by the Rossoneri in their games so far, and the midfielder echoed his sentiment.
“I know that people weren't expecting much of me and that they dreamed of other names,” Kucka told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “But now I'm happy because I proved that I am worthy of this Milan. This club was and still is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I think I'm living it well.
“At Inter I didn't even start my experience, but I have no regrets and no thirst for revenge. They didn't sign me because I was terrible, my head wasn't into it. I don't know, maybe I'd unconsciously taken a seat.”
Kucka was then asked to give a general impression of Montella's new Milan.
“Patience, strength and hope, these are perfect concepts for the current Milan. We must rediscover our hunger for victory and prove that we care about this club.
“I was a little bit of a leader with Genova, but I don't think I'm a leader on my own, as in having the whole group following me. Let's say that I can be a point of reference, possibly together with the older teammates.
“Training sessions under Montella are fun, and this is very important. Everything is going fine with him, what he does makes sense and I hope we can put into practice what he's asking of us. This could be the right year to come back, not least thanks to him.
“First of all we have to get back into European football. We made too many mistakes last year. I think the key is in building a true team, all of us together.
“Last season we weren't really a group, not in the way that I understand the word. I'm talking about our performance on the pitch, obviously. There were too many different souls playing at the same time, we should be thinking with one head alone. We can do that with Montella.
“If we absorb these concepts well, then we can have a good season. I'd like to reach the European objective and see San Siro full once again.”
Kucka then discussed his playing style and his role on the pitch.
“Mihajlovic once called me a tank, and this is my game, my way of placing myself on the pitch. I never withdraw my leg.
“I like that people call me a fighter, although I'm completely chilled outside of the pitch.
“I'm not satisfied with my ability because I still can't get the decisive pass right, I don't have the technique for it. I only play in one way: I throw the ball forwards, and I run.
“Once I've come before the goal I don't use my head very much, because I feel like blasting everything. Then I put too much power into the shot and it goes wide! I'd like to score a few more goals, but my nature essentially is defending.”
Finally, the Slovak was asked about Milan's market campaign.
“That's a tough question. If some quality reinforcements arrived, of course that couldn't do any harm. And if there is more competition, you're more driven to do well.”