Alexis Saelemaekers assures Milan ‘do not start out looking to finish second or third, we are aiming for the top’ of the Serie A table after beating Venezia 2-0.
The Belgium international came off the bench and made an immediate impact, as he provided the assist for the Theo Hernandez goal, after Brahim Diaz had broken the deadlock.
He also forced a tough save from Niki Maenpaa and had several other dangerous runs at defenders, looking livelier than he has in months.
“I tried to help the team, the substitutes had a good impact and we are happy,” Saelemaekers told Sky Sport Italia.
Stefano Pioli has worked with Saelemaekers in training and improved him as a player over the last couple of years.
“Obviously, the work done by the coach and the faith he has in me does help me to grow, but so does the team. We talk a lot, we’re a young group and help each other out. It’s important to have that environment.
“My characteristics are a little more defensive than Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic, but at the same time I do also like to attack, so I can do both.”
Milan were Winter Champions of Serie A last season, meaning they were top at the halfway stage, but eventually fell away and finished second behind Inter.
Saelemaekers assures they are aiming even higher this time around, after picking up 13 points from an available 15.
“A competitive team always wants to win, and that is what we will try to do this season. We do not start out looking to finish second or third.
“We’ll take it one game at a time and see what happens, but we are aiming for the top.”
Saelemaekers a Sky: “Partiamo per vincere, non per arrivare secondi o terzi. Mister Pioli è importante per la mia crescita” https://t.co/9r00B08bLT
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) September 22, 2021