Juventus youngster Timothy Weah says he can’t wait to face his fathers former club AC Milan in their next Serie A fixture. The US international made the switch to Italy this summer, choosing to play for his fathers favourite club. The Bianconeri will be hoping to keep their winning run going this weekend when they face off against a Rossoneri side who are now clear at the top of the table. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Weah talked about his move to Juve and how the first months with his new club have been ‘fantastic’.
How do you feel about Milan-Juve?
“It will be a very special match, I can’t wait. Obviously my father has an important past in Rossoneri, so this match has a special meaning for my family. It will also be great to challenge two national team mates like Pulisic and Musah. For us, then, it’s a very important match against the leading team, I hope it will give us satisfaction.
How do you judge these first months at Juve?
“I’m very happy, it’s fantastic to play alongside players of the highest level and for a club like Juve. I’m learning a lot every day in training. I feel really lucky to be playing for such a prestigious team”.
With whom have you bonded the most?
“With a bit of everyone, but in particular with Kean and Pogba. Paul is going through a difficult time, I often go to his house to make sure he’s OK, he’s a great person. Chiesa and Vlahovic have also helped me a lot, then of course McKennie has been fundamental. He constantly brings a positive energy both on and off the pitch.
At a tactical level you are playing a different role at Juve compared to the national team…
“I am learning a new role and this is very important for me. At Juve I play in a position further back than in the national team, but I am adapting well. With the USA I play in the three behind the only forward, with quality trequartisti like Pulisic and Gio Reyna, a position I like a lot. Where do I fit best? If I could choose, I would prefer to play on the left side with the possibility to centre and try to finish. But I understand what the needs of the team are.
How do you find yourself in Allegri’s tactics?
“Some people consider him a defensive coach, but I think it’s a good thing because the defensive aspect I think is fundamental for the success of a team. I know I have to make progress defensively but I can also bring quality and speed in the restarts to create numerical superiority. I am convinced that I will grow a lot thanks to Allegri”.
Did you have problems with the transition to Italian football?
“Certainly on a tactical level in Italy, details are taken care of much more. Compared to Lille, things have definitely changed, not only am I learning a new role, but also the daily work on the pitch is very different. But I’m very happy and I’m very happy in Italy. Honestly, I feel a bit Italian, considering the ties my family has with this country, and I really like the quality of life, and of course the food…’.
What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
“To be able to help the team in the best way. I’m adapting more and more to my new role and I want to continue like this. Last week in the derby I think I did well, so I’d like to be able to give a hand to win as much as possible, maybe staying on the pitch 90 minutes just like against Torino.”
To close, what do you think of the Fagioli case?
“To be honest I don’t know much about it but I am convinced that the club will handle this situation in the best possible way. Obviously I hope that in the end Fagioli will come out of it well.
