Youngster Davide Calabria laments the 'lack of a sense of belonging' at Milan, but wants to stay and make it into the Azzurri.
The 19-year-old is training with the Italy U21 team for a friendly against France on June 2, and he took the opportunity to discuss the past season at Milan.
“Many things didn't work and we have to improve in a lot of ways,” Calabria told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “But I think above all else we lacked a sense of belonging.
Youngster Davide Calabria laments the 'lack of a sense of belonging' at Milan, but wants to stay and make it into the Azzurri.
The 19-year-old is training with the Italy U21 team for a friendly against France on June 2, and he took the opportunity to discuss the past season at Milan.
“Many things didn't work and we have to improve in a lot of ways,” Calabria told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “But I think above all else we lacked a sense of belonging.
“When you play for Milan you can't look bad and you can't content yourself with sixth place.
“Our objectives must always be high, as is the history of the club. And we must always honour our colours and the fans that come to the stadium
“Having said that, of course you have to admit that some teams are superior to ours right now.
“For me, the season was wonderful. It was my first real Serie A campaign. I developed greatly here, because there's a real gulf between the youth team and the senior squad.
“Everything here is faster, you have to think more quickly, read the game in advance. And you must always run like the wind, in the game as in training.”
The youngster was asked about his debut match as a starter, against Udinese in September 2015, and what his feelings were at the time.
“In the previous game, against Palermo, I'd stepped in almost without warming up because of the injury to [Ignazio] Abate. I didn't have time to think about much.
“After that, before the game at Udine, [Coach Sinisa] Mihajlovic called me in the locker rooms. He said, 'it's your turn, play the way you did against Palermo and everything's going to be fine. You're good, don't worry'. I must thank him, I developed with him.”
When Mihajlovic was sacked, Calabria worked again with Cristian Brocchi, who had already coached him in the youth team.
“He remained congruent with his ideas. Of course, at first his attitude was a little different, he knew he had no space to revolutionise the team and he was smart in not trying. There was no time to set up a team according to his philosophy.
“But I think we saw some good things in the Coppa Italia final, and if he's given time he'll do well, as he already showed in the youth team.
“He's very well-prepared technically and tactically. And he's a great man. For us players he's almost like a friend, someone you can talk to, exchanging points of view and looking for a solution together. That's something really nice.
“I wish for him to be confirmed at Milan. He deserves it as a Coach and as a man.”
As the summer transfer window opens, Calabria is being linked with clubs outside of the Diavolo.
“I'm pleased to hear that, it means I've been doing a good job. Right now I'm focused on the U21 though. Being part of this group two years in advance provides me with experience that I hope I can put to use in the future, because I mean to stay with the Azzurri.
“For me, wearing the national team's shirt is an honour. After that I'll take a holiday and I'll come back for the club training. My objective is to play with continuity, my dream is to do that with Milan.”