As AC Milan’s representative in the Czech Republic, Marek Jankulovski took stock of the Rossoneri sides and gave his opinion on the future of Stefano Pioli.
After taking an early lead in the Europa League play-off stage, Milan closed in on Rennes, and now things have to work out in the round of 16 if they are to prove their prestige as favourites.
However, they were lucky enough to enjoy one of the matches of the competition, but at this level no team will be easy to beat, especially Slavia Praha. The Czech representatives have already shown their quality after beating AS Roma in November and progressing through their group.
The Rossoneri will have to be careful with that as they look to get back to their best, given that they have only won one of their last 4 games. All eyes will no doubt be on Pioli, given that reports leading up to this match suggest that his ability to take the team far in Europe may be the deciding factor for his future.
Jankulovski spoke to MilanNews ahead of the match and spoke about the Diavolo, among other topics.
What is Slavia Prague?
“They’ve won the last few championships, except for the last two. They are a wonderful compact team because they have a vital owner (Pavel Tykač), who recently took over the club from a Chinese organization and needs to do very well. “they have a very intelligent coach (Jindřich Trpišovský), but they are still a team from the Czech Republic, so Milan, faced with the double challenge, starts with wonderful favours and I hope they succeed. In any case, it will be two open matches. Let’s not forget that Slavia won their Europa League organization by completing Roma’s forward line.
What environment is Milan most likely to be in in the Czech Republic if the match is still open?
“Right now there is excitement throughout the team for this exciting race for the name and the stadium is full. Even I have a hard time finding a price, because a global team will be coming to Prague. It will be a party and the enthusiasts hope that Slavia can qualify in Milan and then play them all at home. I’m not saying it’s going to be chaos, but almost.
Strengths and weaknesses?
“Up front is Mojmír Chytil, an attractive player who scores a lot of goals, as well as Vaclav Jurecka, the most level-headed goalscorer last season. Overall, they are an offensive team that plays very well in attack and usually struggles. a little bit back. Also, it must be said that the team was almost inactive in December and January for the winter break, the league resumed 3 weeks ago and this may be just for them. Let’s just say that maybe they lack the good pace of Milan, for example.
Do you also expect an offensive taste at San Siro?
“They’re a well-organized team, but they work hard to play and even take risks. “
Do you like this team from Milan?
“I come to San Siro from time to time, but living in Ostrava I haven’t been able to watch all the games, but from what I’ve seen I liked it. Milan will have to aim high. And having missed out on the Champions League, with the Scudetto already decided, we hope to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League. I like the young players who are forming, I see a smart group.
Pioli probably wouldn’t continue next season. . .
“The task of a coach is complicated, but what I would like to highlight is: with Pioli you won a championship, then you reached a Champions League semi-final and this year you qualify for the Champions League. Can you do more with organizations?” In my opinion, no. Then the San Siro crowd puts pressure on you, they have to win. But he couldn’t do more. The Berlusconi era is over, and it will have to be emphasized. The company’s policy is different, however, I see a young and intelligent organization growing.
Speaking of Berlusconi’s golden age, you are the protagonist of his last victorious years
“It was a beautiful and fulfilling period, where we won everything. Maybe when I played there, I didn’t think much about it because you have to be confident to play with wonderful champions. But coming back to that now, I’d take several minutes to list the number of champions I’ve played with. At home they tell me that I am the Czech footballer who has played for the greatest champions, even more than Nedved, who won the Ballon d’Or. And I can only check it.
Among the coaches you had at the Rossoneri: there are Ancelotti, Leonardo and Allegri. . .
“In my career I’ve had many teachers, AncelottiArray with Spalletti, the best, having two other characters. Leonardo, I mean it sincerely, is more of a coach and his career has proven it. I discovered Allegri in a year when Milan was focused on youth, but when I played, I still proved my worth. It’s true that Max is a different coach than he is today.
Today is Theo Hernandez. Would you like to have a place in your Milan?
“I have no doubts. Also because he’s the most productive left-back at the moment.
Could there be more in Milan’s squad?
“Leao has numbers that others don’t have, he’s proving to be very strong. I don’t even want to say it, Giroud is a true champion who has won everything. “Maignan.
Among the champions you played with was Ibrahimovic, who now plays a central role in society. . .
“First of all, I’m very pleased that Ibra is at the club. In my opinion, a team like Milan should have someone inside who has Milan at its core. Before there was Paolo (Maldini) and that’s how it ended. ” Ibra will be very important, also from the point of view of the fans, because he has the core of the Rossoneri and he will also give credibility to foreign ownership, he is their guarantor. “
Did you expect it in this role?
“You know, I was in Rennes and I spoke to him a little bit, then he told me: ‘Janku, I have to go through and qualify the team’. I met him in the year of the Scudetto (2010/11), he had crazy strength and personality and maybe he has compatibility for a role like that. It’s very important that he’s at the club and that he talks to the coach.
Others train elsewhere: Nesta, Gattuso, Inzaghi, Oddo, Pirlo, Gilardino. Surprised by someone?
“I have to tell you that I was waiting for Pippo because he’s crazy about football, he can’t live without him. But also from Rino. I also expected it from Oddo. I’m a little surprised by Nesta, me too A quiet guy, I saw him not too angry. I’m pleased for them, they did well to take this path. I’m pleased to watch a game and see one of my former teammates on the bench.
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