Reijnders discusses Scudetto aim, relationship with Fonseca and Fofana’s impact | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders has insisted that the objective for AC Milan this season is to win the league title, while he also spoke about his role on the field and getting into football as a child.

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, playing in a midfield double pivot, as a mezzala and even as a playmaker at times.

The Dutchman is the creative metronome of the midfield and that has become increasingly important given Fonseca’s aims to achieve possession-based domination of games. He will look to add more goals to his game, but for now the forwards are firing.

Reijnders was interviewed by the Lega Serie A official channel and he spoke about his new bond with Italy, his relationship with Alvaro Morata, his two idols and his goal for the season, with MilanPress relaying his comments.

How did you get into football and who are your idols?

“I started playing football with my father, when I was 5 years old I kicked my first ball in the garden. I think this was my first approach to this sport. When I was very young my idol was always Ronaldinho, then I admired the genius of Lionel Messi. Unfortunately I haven’t met them yet and I would pay to do so in the future.”

How would you describe yourself on and off the pitch?

“I am a central midfielder who likes to play box to box, bring the ball into the offensive zone and this year I hope to score more goals than last season. Off the pitch I am a quiet guy, annoying in a positive sense. As a midfielder I know very well that making assists and scoring is very important. I can improve on this aspect and I will work to achieve the objective.”

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Was it a similar vibe at Milan to AZ Alkmaar?

“It wasn’t difficult to leave Holland for Italy. Milan were fantastic with me in making me immediately feel in tune with the environment and my new teammates. It’s an hour and a half flight from Holland to Milan, my friends and family come to visit me often.”

What has changed under Paulo Fonseca?

“Compared to last season, mister Fonseca has arrived, I feel very comfortable with him. We see football in the same way, with a lot of ball possession. For me it’s a matter of small changes, the set-up remains the same.”

The pressure is high at Milan, is that to be expected?

“The pressure in an important place like Milan is always high, we have to win trophies to be successful at the Rossoneri. We have to work hard to achieve the desired results.”

What is your best goal?

“I think the goal scored against Monza is the best one of last season because it was much more difficult than the one in Lecce. Scoring at San Siro was fantastic, difficult to explain but it gives you a feeling of freedom.”

Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

How is it playing with Youssouf Fofana?

“Fofana is a strong footballer. He steals the ball easily from his opponents and knows how to play football, especially in a club like ours. He has an important mix of technique and strengt.”

And Alvaro Morata?

“Morata is a leader. He has played for many big clubs, he can bring his experience to all of us in important matches.”

What is the aim for this season?

“The goal this year is to win the Scudetto, but not only that. We want to win as many trophies as possible. We haven’t started off very well, but I have great faith in the group and together we can do great things.”