Youssouf Fofana admits that having to adapt to a brand new function at Milan has been an enormous problem, insists that he’s nonetheless dreaming of a World Cup call-up regardless of being omitted from the France squad since 2024, and says that he’s ‘divided’ as as to whether or not he has had a ‘good’ season in 2025-26.
Fofana ‘not sure’ on Milan function, 2025-26 season ‘not ok’
The Rossoneri midfielder sat down for an in-depth interview with l’Equipe, throughout which he mentioned his most well-liked place, his tactical growth since transferring to Italy and the difficulties of standing out amongst a gifted pool of French midfielders.
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Fofana says that he had been used to enjoying simply in entrance of the defence again in the summertime of 2024, however now, he options in additional of a box-to-box function on the appropriate of a midfield three.
“At first I needed to study on a tactical degree,” Fofana informed . “As everyone knows, Italy places an enormous emphasis on that, it’s not a cliché in any respect. I believed I used to be coming with a very good tactical background, however they actually take note of all the things.
“It took me some time to know you can play an excellent 90 minutes right here and ultimately, it finally ends up 1-0 in favour of the opponent. That’s since you’ve been crushed tactically. It took me some time to get that effectivity and tactical self-discipline.”
Fofana says that there was ‘two phases’ of his growth since transferring to Serie A: “I’m residing (the second) now. It’s a change of place,” Fofana stated. “It’s as if for 5 years I’d checked out soccer in a sure approach and now my notion is altering.
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“I don’t see the pitch from the identical angle. I don’t actually have the identical benchmarks. For instance, once I performed in entrance of the defence, I all the time knew there have been two gamers behind me, one other diagonally on the appropriate and one other on the left. I might make passes into these areas with out trying.
“Now it’s fully completely different. I play on the appropriate. Once we don’t have the ball, I’m actually excessive up, virtually like a striker. When we’ve got it, I’m between the traces. I used to go and get after these gamers.”
Fofana was requested what it’s prefer to must study a brand new place on the age of 27.
He stated: “Whenever you’re informed you’re going to play greater up, you’re pleased at first. Ultimately, I realized that that’s not essentially what I need. I do it for the staff. I prefer to be in the beginning of the motion, to manage all the things: the velocity of my staff’s play, the tempo, the ball restoration.”
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And what has Fofana realized from this tactical repositioning?
“That I wanted to play a lot quicker. Once I performed in entrance of the defence, the participant marking me was usually a striker, who didn’t essentially defend very nicely. Whereas right here, the participant who marks me is normally a defender, normally a more durable opponent. I’ve to be stronger, to soak up extra data than earlier than.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan runs with the ball while below stress from Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma in the course of the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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Fofana says that he’s not sure whether or not he would describe the 2025-26 season as a ‘good’ one on a private degree.
“It’s an excellent query,” he stated. “I conform to study, however am I doing nicely for the season? Not ok, I feel. Within the place the place I play, there’s extra deal with statistics, and I feel I might have been extra environment friendly.
“I might have had six targets this season and extra assists, after which I might need informed you that my season’s been good. Except for that, I’m trying on the medium time period. There’s the World Cup and I’m undecided that I’m anticipated to play on this place.”
Fofana was requested whether or not that’s irritating for him with the 2026 World Cup shortly approaching.
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“At membership degree, I do it.. Particularly whenever you’re within the combine to win a trophy. However will it assist me sooner or later? I’m divided about that.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan competes for the ball with Nicolo’ Barella of Inter in the course of the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
Fofana has not been referred to as as much as the France nationwide staff squad since October 2024.
“At first it wasn’t an ideal expertise. I puzzled why I wasn’t getting referred to as up. Then I began watching the matches and stated to myself ‘okay Youssouf, there are different midfielders which can be simply as robust as you. Whether or not you’re there or not, the France staff will get the identical outcomes, so you must work and wait’.”