Tijjani Reijnders conceded Milan players ‘needed time’ to assimilate Paulo Fonseca’s ideas but believes they have the qualities to ‘change the course’ of the season after a slow start.
The Rossoneri have already lost four games across Serie A and the Champions League, as coach Fonseca’s opening months on the Milan bench have been marked by repeated changes in terms of men on the pitch and tactical set-up.
However, Reijnders was among those who got more playing time under the new manager, as he started eight of the nine games played by his team so far across all competitions, and he remains confident that Milan ‘are growing’.
Reijnders: Milan can compete for the title if they ‘stick together’
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sport Italia after his return from the international break, the Dutch midfielder urged his teammates to ‘stick together’ to leave their rough start behind.
“Our last games weren’t the best, but we just need to stick together because we have the quality to change the course of this season,” Reijnders said, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.
“Next matches will be important, I fully trust this group.”
Asked if the Rossoneri could compete to win the Scudetto, despite already being five points behind Serie A leaders Napoli, the 26-year-old had no doubt: “Of course. There were some tactical adjustments, we needed to assimilate our coach’s ideas but we are growing,” he claimed.
“We are developing our playing style, as I said the group is strong and has quality, we want to win games.”
As for his role on the pitch, Reijnders admitted he especially enjoys playing ‘as a number 8’.
“I think that’s the position I can have the most influence. The important thing is to make an impact on the team, this is what I require from my game.”
Reijnders has delivered two assists from seven league games but is still to find the net this season, after scoring three goals in 36 games in his first Serie A campaign.