Riccardo Montolivo says Milan are ‘on the right track’ to target the Europa League, whilst he reflects on what has changed recently at the club.
The midfielder attended a promotional event on Tuesday morning and fielded a number of questions from reporters, starting with his recovery from a recent knock sustained, which has kept him out of recent fixtures.
Riccardo Montolivo says Milan are ‘on the right track’ to target the Europa League, whilst he reflects on what has changed recently at the club.
The midfielder attended a promotional event on Tuesday morning and fielded a number of questions from reporters, starting with his recovery from a recent knock sustained, which has kept him out of recent fixtures.
“I’m better, it took some time to absorb the blow but I hope to return to the group this week,” began Montolivo, before turning his attention to Milan’s recent improved form.
“We have picked up some points in very complicated games such as those in Rome and Florence. We have to now continue like this, because we are on the right track.
“We are aiming for the Europa League, we need to give continuity to the latest results. The club’s goal is clear and we will try for it in the next seven games. Milan have to play in Europe.
“What has changed after the Parma defeat? Even in games lost the team has shown a great desire to do well.
“We have improved in every respect, now we also have the continuity. But we cannot stop here.”
It was put to the Italy international that no European football next year could see the team lose some of their bigger names in the summer.
“Assessments will be made at the end of the season. We would hate to lose important players, even if I know that everyone wants to stay.
“But now we must think only of our goal. We will try to get into the Europa League to give them one more reason to stay.”
The midfielder was asked where his ideal position in the team is and the relationship with Coach Clarence Seedorf.
“For our part, there has never been anything controversial. When the results have not been there, it was natural for talk to come from the outside. But we have remained together. Without a united ship, we would have risked sinking. We have come out.
“Are we a more balanced team now? On paper, the system hasn’t changed. My ideal position is in a midfield three but with Seedorf I have always played in a midfield two.
“In recent games the attitude of the squad has changed, the attacking players’ attitude has changed and this gives us more balance.”
Mario Balotelli has come in for recent criticism, but responded with goals in consecutive matches.
“Balotelli has great quality, he is an exceptional player. He does not always succeed, but when he does, he brings that leap in quality both for Milan and the national team.”
Montolivo was talking at an event for a food company that he has shot a short television commercial for.
“I enjoyed doing the commercials, it took half a day of practicing. Also the director was good. It was a good experience. The spots were not natural, but not forced.”