Stam discusses Scudetto hopes, his time at Milan and Reijnders: “A great player”

The former AC Milan defender Jaap Stam spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport and shared his thoughts on the Rossoneri’s situation. Following the win against Real Madrid, he believes the fans have every right to believe in the Scudetto. 

Milan’s 3-1 win against Real Madrid sent shockwaves through the football world, with no one expecting that outcome. The Rossoneri even played significantly better for most of the game and truly deserved to win, so it wasn’t just a fluke.

Speaking to today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Milan defender Jaap Stam was asked about the current season, Tijjani Reijnders, his experience at the club and why the fans should believe in the Scudetto race.

Stam, could the achievement at the Bernabeu be the turning point of Milan’s season?

“Milan is growing and the development of the project is going very well. In Serie A they are not yet at the top of the table, but they will have the chance to get closer to the top positions: only three months have been played and there are still many days left”.

Despite the -8 compared to Napoli, therefore, can the Rossoneri fans dream of the Scudetto?

“Yes, because the others will also drop points along the way. Sooner or later, it happens to everyone during the course of a season.”

So far, however, the Rossoneri’s results have been mixed…

“There is no need to be worried or disappointed. This team will improve and show all its qualities. When you change coaches you have to be patient, but Milan has players capable of making the difference.”

One is Leao…

“In Madrid, he was decisive and confirmed that he has extraordinary qualities.”

Then Pulisic, Reijnders…

“Reijnders is a great player and as a Dutchman, I’m happy he is proving it. In the summer of 2023, when he left AZ Alkmaar, I hoped he would go to Ajax: he would have been the perfect player for that system, but at Milan he grew up and I understand his choice. He went to a fantastic club.”

You are still tied to Milan…

“I have great memories of my experience at Milan and it was fantastic, indeed an honour, to play with exceptional champions in a club that had a management made up of true leaders. President Berlusconi was an important person and a very pleasant man.

“I still remember him fondly. With him, the Rossoneri were always at the top in Europe, where they deserved to be and where they deserve to return. After United, Milan is the team of my heart, even if I also have good memories of Lazio.”

Let’s go back to Reijnders, 4 goals in the last 3 games…

“Tijjani can do everything: he is good at passing, carrying the ball and getting out of pressing situations, but he also knows how to finish. I’m not saying that he’s already one of the best midfielders in the world, but he will become one because I’m convinced that we haven’t yet seen his full potential.

“Milan are right to hold on to him because the top clubs in the Premier League will probably already be following him.”

As a Rossoneri fan, how do you hope Inter-Napoli ends?

“They are the two clubs that Milan will have to compete against, even if Serie A is more balanced than in the past and even Atalanta as well Juventus can fight for the title. Napoli is deservedly first for now because they have a good coach in Conte and made a great purchase in McTominay. The squad is of a high level and I’m not surprised that Napoli started so strong.”

And Inter?

“I know Simone Inzaghi well because we played together at Lazio: I have never found someone as “crazy” for football as him, someone who knows and studies everything. His passion is reflected in his team’s play. He is a great coach and has already deservedly won several trophies.”

What is Milan missing? 

“Time to work because the gap is not huge. To win the Champions League, however, other quality signings will be needed.”

Milan are up against Cagliari this evening and with Francesco Camarda up front, they will be looking to clinch three very important points. To keep the Scudetto dream alive, in fact, the points are more or less needed.