AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli speaks to the Italian press ahead of the Serie A game against Crotone valid for the 21st fixture of the championship. Here are his statements:
On Capello's visit yesterday:
"Sacchi and Capello are two great coaches, they have Milan in their hearts. They have achieved exceptional results here, they follow us with particular affection, they can only please us. I am always very attentive to their evaluations and opinions, there is always something to learn. We hope to satisfy them."
First time of the season where you had a whole week to prepare for a match:
"It was strange, it hadn't happened to us for a very long time, we went to the depths of some situations from a tactical point of view. We did more targeted work from a physical point of view, it was a nice busy week, a useful week to prepare for the match tomorrow."
On the path so far in the middle of the season:
"We are halfway up the climb, the most difficult slopes have yet to come, it will be difficult for all the teams. We cannot be satisfied, we have to try to raise our level, the important matches are coming, like tomorrow's. We have to field more intensity to win."
Is there an incentive to return to the top of the rankings?
"The motivation is there. We won a difficult match against Bologna in their turf. We want to continue. We are not interested in the classification now, we want to try to win this match. It would be important to be first again tomorrow evening."
Does it change anything to have Inter in front of you?
"We must get used to the pressure of the league race. The difficulties will only increase from here. I continue to believe that it is a privilege to have these pressures, then it is not the first time that we are behind Inter before playing. Now, we are only focused on ourselves and on playing a good game tomorrow. We will be combining intensity and quality in order to enhance our chances of winning."
At home, Milan had a lower performance than away from home. Thoughts?
"This must be a good reason for us to win tomorrow and our games at the San Siro. It is a difficult feat. Without the audience, we don't have a lot of advantage to use for ourselves at home games. We have regrets against Parma and Hellas Verona. We met strong teams in other matches too."
How was Ibrahimovic's week after the match in Bologna?
"I saw Ibra very determined in Bologna, he was decisive. I liked everything he did on the pitch, as well as the whole attacking phase. We created ten scoring chances, it's very difficult in our league."
How did you find Hakan Calhanoglu after returning from Covid-19?
"He has had some symptoms, the situation takes something away from you in terms of condition, it's good to have him back with us. He is a very important player, then I'll decide whether to field him from the start or in the middle of the match."
How are the preparations for the game against Crotone?
"We analyze match and training data, having a long week helped us. Those who were tired had the opportunity to catch their breath, those who needed to work more did it with the right attitudes. Crotone got less than what they deserve. They deserved more for the quality of their gameplay. The week will be positive if we get the three points."
Who are the most difficult opponents in view of the fourth place?
"My only concern is to keep the team's level of concentration high. We can and must improve our technical and tactical levels. All the top seven have the chance to win the Scudetto and reach the Champions League, they are all opponents to be feared and respected. we would not like to be part of the three disappointed, all seven are strong. The last 5/6 matches of the championship will be decisive."
Does Tonali risk his place within the squad after Bennacer's return from injury?
"Well, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic says, 'in these situations, you eat or you are eaten'".
What are your thoughts on the comments that you read about your team?
"We don't care about what is said from the outside. We only focus on our desire to win and grab the best possible results."
What are the ambitions?
"Now we are a group, we want to give our best. I think there is a very simple rule in football: You train and then you play on Sunday depending on how the training has been. We want this season to give us a great feeling of satisfaction."
How is Bennacer's condition so far?
"He had a beginning of bronchitis and a bit of fever so he did not train, he is to be evaluated in view of his presence for tomorrow."
In your opinion, does this team have courage?
"We have never lacked the courage, the more quality we can put on the field, the easier it is for us to win our matches."
What kind of oponnent is Crotone?
"Crotone play good football. I don't know which strikers Stroppa will field tomorrow. But, we will have to try to play the best possible match on a technical level anyways."
