Yoshida: “We deserved more”

Maya Yoshida believes Sampdoria were undeserving of defeat after they went down 1-0 at the hands of AC Milan at Marassi on Monday night.

The Japanese centre-back has barely had a break over the summer – playing his last game at the Tokyo Olympics on 6 August – but was put straight into the team by Roberto D’Aversa all the same.

“I only got back a week ago and we’re doing different tactical work,” said Yoshida. “We have to get to grips with what we need to do, but let’s keep this up. We’ve only played one game – there are 37 to go. The season is long. Tactically it’s a big change compared with [Claudio] Ranieri, but I’m used to changing coaches – it’s not a problem. I’m here.

“We have almost the same squad as last year, so we can kick on. We need to try to improve, but we need time. We deserved more today. I’m not worried about individual errors – mentally and physically we’re there. I can help the team. This is my third year in Italy. I speak the language better and I understand Italian football and life better. I want to help my team-mates and improve.”