How was this match against Leicester? 

“We knew it was going to be a tough match. They are definitely more physically prepared than we are, as their season is starting next week. It was a good test for us against a good team. It’s okay to make mistakes: we have only been playing for three weeks. There are many new things for everyone: new team, new coach, new staff members. Over the next few days, we will try to minimize our mistakes for the upcoming match on Saturday.”

The team’s physical condition seems to be the main issue right now. How is your physical preparation going?

“We’re behind them, but we’re training well. We only focus on ourselves. We’re doing both physical and tactical work, which is the way it is supposed to be. We will definitely be prepared on August 21 for our first match of the new season.”

You often play alongside Nicolo Fagioli: what is it like? You are a few meters further back than last year.

“I like it. At the beginning we are close to one another. But if Albert [Gudmundsson] or [Amir] Richardson or whoever is playing, the coach gives us a lot of freedom in finding spaces. Tactically it’s me and Fagioli, but on the pitch we have a lot of freedom and we can move as we wish.”

You have been asked to try to take some shots and you have scored a few goals against the Fiorentina U20 team.

“Yes, I’ve been criticized for not taking many shots and not reaching the box often enough. I am trying to improve day after day to make more shots.”

You have performed very well at the training camp. How are you getting on with the new coach and what role do you want to play in this team?

“I’m getting on very well with the coach. He talks a lot to me, as he does with the rest of the team. I like his concept of football, both in terms of offense and defense. I hope I will play a lot, but that depends on me, but whoever plays will be up to the task.”