The midfielder of Milan and the Dutch national team, Tijjani Reijndersgave an interview to the official Serie A channel on YouTube. Here are his statements.
Who is your idol? Did you meet him growing up?
“When I was little he was Ronaldinho, then when I turned 10-12 he became Messi. I’ve never met either of them, but maybe it will happen in the future.”
What are your main characteristics and your favorite role?
“I’m a central midfielder who likes to play box-to-box, bringing the ball into attack. This year I hope to score more than last season, I’m always looking for an assist or a shot on goal.”
How would you describe yourself on the pitch?
“I think calm, but with my friends I can be quite full of life.”
What difficulties did you have in moving from Holland to Italy?
“Well, it was quite easy because everyone helped me settle in, making me feel at home immediately. Then the distance between Milan and Holland is an hour and a half flight, so my family and friends come here quite a lot often, when possible. I therefore feel homesick.”
What kind of work have you done to improve your shots on goal and assists?
“I know that as a midfielder it is important to score and make assists, even if I didn’t make many last season. I try to be more important for the team as a result. It’s something I’m working on this season too.”
What is it like working with Fonseca?
“I like working together with the coach and it’s good for me. He wants to play football the way I like it, with lots of ball possession. Obviously we have to improve and adapt more to his tactics, but with time it will come. Now for me it hasn’t changed anymore that much: I get the same result, just with small changes.”
How important is this season?
“The pressure here is always high and we have to win trophies. The only thing to be successful at a club like Milan is to win trophies. This is something we all know and we will have to fight for.”
Between the one against Lecce and the one against Monza, which goal do you prefer? What do you think in those moments?
“I say the one against Monza because compared to the one against Lecce, in my opinion, it was more difficult. In Lecce I had a free field, straight in front of me, to go and shoot. Against Monza I had to dribble more players around me. fantastic, then obviously scoring at ‘San Siro’, in front of your fans, and they give you mental freedom when you beat a player.”
Your impressions of Youssouf Fofana?
“He’s a really good player, he’s a powerhouse. He can easily get the ball from the opponent, he knows how to play football. He has good technique, he’s really a strong point for our team.”
What feelings do you have about Morata?
“I think, from what he has already shown in the dressing room, that he has a lot of leadership. Of course, he has played for many big clubs and has a lot of experience. What he shows now is how he can bring those experiences to us and how to behave, for example, in important matches I hope he gets back in shape soon and helps us on the pitch again.”
What is the seasonal goal?
“Winning the Scudetto, but not only that. We want to win as many trophies as possible. We haven’t had a good start, but I have faith in our team and in the fact that we could do great things.”