Jankulovski states Milan can still lift Scudetto after poor start: “No more mistakes” | OneFootball

AC Milan have started the season questionably, that’s for sure. Wins have been rare, and form has been questionable. However, they are not yet out of the race for the Scudetto, but they soon will be if things do not improve.

After the Derby della Madonnina victory, there was hope that Milan were firmly on an upward trajectory, and when the Rossoneri beat Lecce there was a growing confidence in Paulo Fonseca and his tactics.

Whilst defeats to Bayer Leverkusen and Fiorentina have re-opened questions about the manager, there is complete confidence in him at Milanello, but he must be perfect now, and this thought is shared by former Milanista Marek Jankulovski.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the Czech defender spoke about his belief in Milan’s abilities and his confidence that the Scudetto is not yet out of their hands, regardless of the poor start due to one reason.

Jankulovski, what kind of game do you expect?

“Funny. Milan have more to lose because, after the defeat in Florence, if they want to fight for the Scudetto, they can no longer make mistakes. Udinese are the revelation of this first part of the season: they have done very well and deserve the position they have.”

Are you really convinced that Fonseca’s team can win the Scudetto?

“Milan did not start strong and are struggling to assimilate Fonseca’s football, but they have an important squad and there is time to recover. I am confident: with a streak they can close the gap on Napoli, who are favoured in the Scudetto race compared to Inter and Juventus.”

Be honest, after the derby win did you expect a turning point?

“It was a beautiful and deserved victory. Unfortunately, however, against Fiorentina there were two missed penalties…”

One was kicked by his heir, Theo Hernandez…

“He’s a winger I really like, one of the best in the world and it’s no coincidence that he equalled Paolo Maldini’s number of goals in Serie A. In Udine, I kicked penalties and free kicks, which is why I scored a few goals [15 in the league, 17 in total], while at Milan with all the phenomenal players there, I didn’t even kick them in training matches.”

So far, did you expect anything more from Hernandez and Leao?

“They are two champions and they have to prove it with continuity. Everyone asks a lot of Theo and Rafa. You’ll see that they will be decisive.”

What has struck you about Udinese so far?

“The speed with which the new coach Runjaic has transmitted his ideas. The Bianconeri started strong and achieved important results despite departures like Samardzic, Perez and Walace. You can’t make mistakes against Udinese because they have a team capable of beating anyone.”

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He worked with Ancelotti for four years at Milan…

“An incredible coach, a leader for the group: we won the Champions League and then the European Super Cup, but the best match of all was the second leg of the semi-final against United: a clear and deserved 3-0. Ancelotti is still the best and Real Madrid are right to hold on to him. I also have good memories of Leonardo and Allegri, even if due to injuries I was able to give less of my contribution.”

How much has Milan changed from the Berlusconi-Galliani duo to the Cardinale-Ibrahimovic duo?

“Berlusconi and Galliani changed the entire world of football with their intuitions. I will always be grateful to Galliani because he took me in 2005 even though I had broken my fibula. When Berlusconi came to Milanello he always gave us a special boost. Ibra is different because it is his first experience as a manager, but he has an incredible desire to win.

“I played with him for a year at Milan [the year of the 2010-11 championship] and he wouldn’t accept losing, not even in training matches… I notice that he still likes to take responsibility and show his face by making certain statements. In this way, the players are more relaxed and ‘protected’.”