Reijnders discusses Scudetto aim, ‘tactical changes’ and preferred position | OneFootball

AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has once again insisted that he believes in the quality of the current squad, while he previewed the upcoming stretch of seven games in 21 days.

Ever since Reijnders arrived at the club from AZ Alkmaar last summer he has been virtually undroppable both under Stefano Pioli and the new head coach Paulo Fonseca, which has led to suggestions that his workload should be managed with more care.

The Dutchman is what makes the midfield tick from a creative point of view and given Fonseca’s aims to achieve possession-based domination of games, he is increasingly important. In addition to being a star at club level, he is now a starter for the Dutch national team too.

Reijnders was present along with the rest of the squad at an event in Malpensa organised by the club and official partner BMW. He spoke to Sky, with his statements transcribed by MilanNews.

You always play both with Milan and the Netherlands, how do you feel? Are you tired?

“I still have enough energy, it’s important to recover well after the games and take care of your body. But right now I feel good and I have a lot of energy.”

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A key moment for Milan’s season awaits with seven games in 21 days. Where do you start from?

“The last few games have certainly not been the best in terms of results, but the important thing is to stay united as a group and be compact. We have the quality to change the trajectory of this season.

“We want to win, we know that the next games are important. I have a lot of faith in this group, we can do better than we did in the last few games.”

Do Milan have what is needed to fight for the Scudetto?

“Yes. There have been tactical changes, we are improving game after game. The important point is to understand how the coach wants to play, we are understanding it slowly and we are developing our game. We have a great group, with great quality, now it is up to us to show it with victories.”

Fonseca has you in different positions. Where do you enjoy the most?

“Mainly as a number 8, which is the position I played the most with AZ. I think that is the position where I can have the most impact. I am a box-to-box, I can play as a 10 or as an 8.

“But the most important thing is to have an impact for the team and try to do well, that is what I want from my game.”

Do you think AZ’s 4-3-3 can be replicated at Milan?

“Yes of course, at Milan we do it. It’s not a real 4-3-3, there are two forwards, it’s particular. But with 4-3-3 I can do well and play as a number 8.”

You’re Milanese now…

“Life here in Milan is beautiful. My wife loves living here, it’s special. My first child was born here in Milan, it’s a very special city.”

How is it going with your son?

“It’s beautiful. Sometimes I don’t sleep much at night, but it’s fantastic. I have a wonderful wife, a mother who helps us, we certainly can’t complain. It’s the most beautiful thing in life.”

When will you answer us in Italian?

“I’ll answer you in Italian in two or three months (smiles).”