Milan defender Theo Hernandez backed coach Stefano Pioli after the win over Empoli and explained his usage as a centre back in recent weeks.
The Rossoneri looked calm and collected when they faced the Azzurri at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday afternoon, securing a relaxed 3-0 win after goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Olivier Giroud and Chaka Traore.
Whilst naturally a left back, in recent weeks Hernandez has increasingly been used as a centre back in Milan’s four-man defence, helping out amidst the club’s injury crisis. Usual centre backs like Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Malick Thiaw are all sidelined with various physical issues.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia via TMW after Milan’s win over Empoli, Hernandez first reacted to Milan’s win over Empoli.
“We had a bit of a difficult and complicated period, but when you win, you’re happy and I think we did good things in these matches, as a team. We never listened to what other people were saying, we worked well and that’s why we won.”
The French defender discussed his recent usage as a centre back.
“In short, extending my career… I’m still 26 years old! We have a lot of injuries, the coach asked me if I could play as a central defender and I replied that I would be happy to help out.”
He confirmed that the players are still backing Pioli, despite the team’s inconsistent form this term.
“We have always been with him, we don’t listen to what people say. The whole team is with the coach, and we are with him until the end.”
The 26-year-old spoke about the gap with league leaders Inter and Juventus.
“We dropped points that we shouldn’t have, it’s been a complicated few months, and now we’re back to winning. We have to continue, looking at what needs to be done day by day.”
Hernandez gave his thoughts on Alex Jimenez after the teenager’s Serie A debut.
“Yes, very tough, very strong. He goes fast, well done to him.”
Hernandez also discussed the match with DAZN, first talking about his work in the centre of defence.
“We had a lot of injuries and the coach asked me if I could play centrally, obviously, I’m available. When the people who we are missing return, I’ll go back to full-back… I hope!”
He was not interested in listening to the critics.
“I don’t listen to people who criticize. I work every day. We’ve been through a bit of a complicated and difficult period, but we work every day and we have to do that.”
The 26-year-old commented on the advice from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Ibra is a leader of Milan, he too wants to win and so do we. If we win, he wins too.”
Finally, Hernandez reflected on the team’s first half of the season.
“We started well, then we had a period without winning… Then when you win you’re happy and things come naturally, now we have to continue like this. Wednesday will be very important and we have to win.”