Milan star praises Conceição: «He deserves great credit for reaching the Cup final»
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Tijjani Reijnders highlights the Rossoneri squad’s hunger for the semi-final against Inter (3-0) and their desire to lift the trophy against Bologna
Milan’s disappointing 9th place in Serie A contrasts with their impressive performance in the Cup, which the Rossoneri will play in the final against Bologna . In an interview with Gazetta dello Sport, Tijjani Reijnders analysed the two faces of Sergio Conceição’s squad: «There is no real explanation, other than our inconsistency. A good example is our victory at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid (3-1), followed by a draw with Cagliari (3-3). If you want to fight for the Scudetto , you can’t afford these results. We have to perform much better in the final phase of the season, as well as next season.»
Milan responded to their home defeat to Atalanta in Serie A (0-1) with a dominant win at rivals Inter (3-0) in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals. Reijnders singled out Sergio Conceicao ‘s role in the third win against the Nerazzurri this season: “He deserves great credit for reaching the final. We talked about the possibility of winning two trophies, and we went out on the pitch determined. The new system of play suits the characteristics of the team. There is always room for improvement, but we are on the right track.”
Bologna is the only obstacle standing between Milan and their second title of the season. The Dutch midfielder anticipated a game that will be decisive for the club’s European aspirations: “Winning the Super Cup was fantastic and gave me incredible emotions. It made me want to win more trophies. Being in the Coppa Italia final is a great opportunity. So we have to go to Rome with one goal: to return home with the Cup.”
“On Wednesday we had a great opportunity to reach the final and we couldn’t waste it. On the pitch we were like hungry dogs and we showed the quality that we have sometimes lacked this season. The Coppa Italia could allow us to qualify for European competitions, so we have to try and do that. In Rome we have to show that we are the better team,” he added, confident of obtaining a positive result on 13 May.
Less than two years after arriving in Milan from Az Alkmaar , Reijnders has already renewed his contract. The Dutch midfielder explains his passion for the Rossoneri and emphasises his desire to win the club’s twentieth Serie A title. “Living in Italy and playing for a club like Milan was a dream I had since I was a child. When they offered me the new contract, the decision was easy. My biggest dream is to bring the second star to the Milan emblem . I’m in love with these colours.”
When asked about the 15 goals and 4 assists he has already scored this season, Reijnders explained the secret to his improved performance in the final third of the pitch: “I am more accurate compared to last season, I have more opportunities to shoot. I have worked mainly on the psychological aspect. Now, when the moment comes to shoot or assist, I am calmer.”
