Gordon Stipic, the agent of Milan’s breakout star Malick Thiaw, reflected on his client’s move to the Rossoneri and why it took so long for him to be given a chance by Stefano Pioli.
The 21-year-old German centre back joined the Rossoneri last summer, signing a five-year contract after arriving from Schalke 04 in a deal worth around €7m.
Thiaw was hardly given a chance by Pioli in the first half of the season, playing just 124 minutes of Serie A action prior to February, but has quickly proven himself a promising defender with tonnes of potential following his last four consecutive starts for Milan.
Speaking to TMW, Stipic was first asked why it took Milan so long to trust in Thiaw.
“He joined the starting lineup at a difficult time, but everything was planned. He arrived prepared and left a very good impression with his quality and performance. True, many are now asking ‘could he have played earlier’?
“But the plan, from the beginning, was very clear. Everything was agreed with the coach and the club’s management, who explained to us from the beginning what the boy’s path would be.”
He explained why the 21-year-old German centre back chose to join the Rossoneri last summer.
“Malick had so many options, especially in the Premier League. Many managers also offered and guaranteed him a place to play right from the start. However, as you see, he was impressed by the talks with Maldini and Massara.
“That shows his character, his attitude, he chose the more difficult path. He could have chosen the easier one, even a ready place in a starting eleven, but the way the project was presented to us left no room for doubt. Discipline and mental strength are his strengths.”
The agent was asked if his client was still convinced by his choice after the slow start in Lombardy.
“We were 110% convinced, even when he wasn’t playing. The feedback we received from Milan, day by day, was positive, it’s the right path for him.”
Finally, Stipic discussed the strong impression made by Thiaw in his first season with Milan.
“He is a calm boy, everyone likes him. He is a worker, he knows how to be in the squad, he behaves well, he has an extraordinary family that always follows him with affection, in the right way.
“And then he knows where he comes from and knows that the path is still long. The focus is clear, no flights of fancy, no absurd dreams.
“Of one thing he is certain, he plays in Serie A, at Milan, in a great reality.”