Ardon Jashari Demands More Minutes as Milan Look to Fix Mentality Ahead of Salzburg Clash

FolioPitch.com – 16 October 2026 | Ardon Jashari has made his intentions clear: he wants to play as much as possible, and AC Milan must improve their mentality if they are to achieve their goals this season. Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s Europa League encounter with Red Bull Salzburg, the midfielder addressed his limited playing time, the team’s recent disappointment against Sassuolo, and the challenge that lies ahead. Jashari says he wants to play as much as possible and Milan must improve the mentality, a sentiment that resonates with many fans who have grown frustrated with the team’s inconsistency.

The 21-year-old Swiss international has found opportunities hard to come by since arriving at San Siro. With just two starts and 165 minutes under his belt, he has had to be patient. However, the Europa League has provided a platform for him to showcase his abilities, having started against Benfica and set to feature again tonight. “For me, and for every player, to be at the top you have to play as much as possible,” Jashari explained. “We are rotating a lot these days, but like everyone else, I’m focused on the team’s well-being. But obviously, if you find consistency in your playing time, your performances also improve.”

His comments underscore a broader issue at Milan: the need for stability and a winning mentality. The Rossoneri were held to a draw by Sassuolo in their last Serie A outing, a result that felt like a missed opportunity. “We got a draw, but we should win these kinds of games,” Jashari said. “We need to improve the mentality after taking the lead. Today is a new day, a new opportunity, and we will try to win.” Once again, Jashari says he wants to play as much as possible and Milan must improve the mentality, highlighting the dual focus of his ambitions.

Milan’s Europa League campaign is at a critical juncture. Following a defeat to Benfica, the pressure is on to secure their first win in the competition. Finishing in the top eight remains the objective, and to achieve that, they likely need to accumulate over 15 points. A victory tonight is almost imperative. Jashari acknowledged the quality of the opposition: “They are good, otherwise they wouldn’t be playing against us today. But we have to focus on ourselves and think about the match.”

The midfielder’s desire for more minutes is understandable. At international level, he is a regular starter for Switzerland, but at club level, he has had to adapt to a rotation policy. “We are rotating a lot these days, but like everyone else, I’m focused on the team’s well-being,” he reiterated. “But obviously, if you find consistency in your playing time, your performances also improve.” This statement echoes the frustration of many young players who seek regular football to develop and contribute consistently.

Milan’s coaching staff faces a delicate balancing act: keeping players fresh while building momentum. The draw against Sassuolo highlighted a recurring problem—the inability to kill off games after taking the lead. Jashari’s call to “improve the mentality” is a direct challenge to his teammates and the management. It suggests that talent alone is not enough; mental fortitude and a ruthless edge are required to compete at the highest level.

As the team prepares for Salzburg, the spotlight will be on how they respond. A win would not only boost their Europa League hopes but also serve as a morale booster. Jashari’s words serve as a rallying cry: Jashari says he wants to play as much as possible and Milan must improve the mentality. It is a message that resonates beyond the pitch, touching on the broader culture of the club.

In conclusion, Ardon Jashari’s pre-match comments reveal a player eager to contribute and a team still searching for consistency. His desire for more playing time is coupled with a clear demand for a mental shift. If Milan are to achieve their objectives, they must heed his call. Tonight’s match against Salzburg presents the perfect opportunity to start. As Jashari says he wants to play as much as possible and Milan must improve the mentality, the coming weeks will show whether the Rossoneri can rise to the challenge.