Fofana looks ahead to Juventus, Milan’s Scudetto aims and Ibrahimovic’s impact | OneFootball

Youssouf Fofana was not given a French National Team call-up on this occasions, but given his minutes, it probably is not a bad thing for AC Milan.

Throughout the summer, Milan were obsessed with the idea of adding Fofana to their ranks. Whether it was during the summer passed, or perhaps even the summer of 2025, the Rossoneri knew who they wanted.

As we, of course, now know, the Diavolo ended up purchasing the Frenchman this summer, and he has already been called the ‘missing piece’. In recent years, Milan have lacked a physical midfielder, who could anchor the midfield. Now, though, they have regained that player, that piece.

Paulo Fonseca has used him excessively, with Mike Maignan and Christian Pulisic being the only two players to play more minutes than the midfielder. Given the nature of his role, a chance to rest will probably be welcomed due to the lack of a National Team call-up.

Recently, the 25-year-old spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), and his interview was published this morning.

On the match against Juventus… “Last year I watched it on television, also because there were so many French people. It’s like a derby with a lot of intensity on the pitch and in the stands.”

Juventus with Thiago Motta also starts with a new project…

“Motta is an excellent coach. Last year he did a great job in Bologna, qualifying for the Champions League. This year he has more quality in the team and it is normal that he is taking it to the top. It will be a hard-fought game, the best will win.”

Milan are a little behind, but the classification is short…

“We would like to be higher. We have picked up some less positive results. But it means we can improve a lot by being less exposed. When we start to give continuity to our game and results they will reckon with us. I believe in the coach’s work and the quality of my teammates. I’m sure the road is right.”

So Milan is aiming for the Scudetto?

“Of course, we are Milan. Milan must play for the Scudetto every year. Give us some time to work and then we’ll see where we are later on.”

Meanwhile you immediately adapted to a new league…

“Because I knew the project I accepted with the greatest willingness for the coach who gave me space. I like Serie A. It’s different from Ligue 1 where in every team there are two or three individualities: once you block them you can dominate. In Italy all teams follow a tactical strategy until the final whistle, and it becomes more difficult.”

What does Fonseca ask of you?

“Balance, to be the link between defence and attack, to be the first to set the play and the first to defend, occupying the spaces left by teammates, being a team that moves a lot. I am the one who moves the least, filling the gaps, as a player in the shadows. I’m getting used to it, I like it because it allows me to improve.”

Ibrahimovic is also very important…

“Right from the start he explained to me the project and the importance of Milan for him and Serie A. He cares a lot about the new course. He’s very present and positive. Before matches, he always gives us a couple of tips. He gives us confidence.”

Who has impressed you more than your teammates?

“I actually expected this quality. I knew some of them from the European Championship, like Reijnders or Leao.”

As a box-to-box midfielder, which of his qualities make the difference in Italy?

“The physical ones, in contrasting and recovering the ball. And then the orientation and reading of the game, observing that of his teammates, maybe just to slow down the pace, looking for a foul if necessary to let them rest.”

You trained both on the street in Paris and at the federal centre in Clairefontaine: is yours a football of instinct or of study?

“I can do both. The important thing is to adapt to your teammates. Leao for example is an instinctive player and has to be indulged. With more academic teammates, I look at the essentials.”

And to say that ten years ago you were without a team. Do you ever think back?

“Always. It helps me to keep my feet on the ground. I tell myself that I started a bit late and I try to catch up. It’s important for me to question myself every day.”

At the time, he delivered pizzas…

“It helped me learn rigour and discipline in my work and earn my first money. Now I always tip the riders: I know it is important. I ate a lot of good pizzas in Milan, but I don’t go out much, I prefer to stay at home and watch films.”

Which players have inspired you the most?

“Yaya Touré, or Ndombele at Lyon. Generally, players who decide the game and know when to pass or keep the ball.”

How useful was it for you to work with a psychologist? “At the beginning, I didn’t want to, but then I realised how important it is, because it allows me to visualise the game, to orient myself without looking, anticipate the opponents’ play and gain that couple of seconds that in today’s football make all the difference. And I can gain even more seconds.”

Does the perfect pass exist for you?

“Sure, when the ball arrives at the right time, at the right speed on the right foot of your team-mate, making his job easier.”

What do you think of the Golden Ball awarded to Rodri?

“I would have given it to Vinicius, but Rodri deserves it for what he has been doing for three, four seasons now with the Manchester City shirt. He is complete, defends, scores goals and makes assists. When he plays, the team doesn’t lose. However, everyone would have been happier if Rodri had won it last year, and Vinicius this year.”

In your first games in Serie A, did you notice any interesting players?

“I really liked two or three guys from Parma.”

Is the Champions League win at the Bernabeu against Real especially stimulating for the league?

“It was a good win against an absolutely prestigious club, it gives pleasure, it gives confidence, but three points remain. We are Milan and we want to go as far as possible in every competition.”

How was your first derby played in a Rossoneri shirt? “Maignan and Theo Hernandez had told me a lot about it, I couldn’t wait to be there. And after what happened in the first leg I can’t wait to be on the pitch to play the return leg.”