Stefano Pioli gave the following statements during his press conference ahead of the Serie A game against Spezia:
"The preparation was made to arrive ready and determined, against an opponent who had created difficulties for us in the first leg, who beat Napoli and Roma."
What do you think of Gazidis' words about you?
"They made me very happy. We are in harmony, our relationship has grown over time. We are in complete harmony and the same is true with the rest of the club. We are all going in the same direction, we want to bring Milan back to the top."
What do you think abou this week's work at Milanello?
"It was a good week. Apart from Brahim Diaz and Maldini, they are all fine. I have good choices. I only think about tomorrow's match, then from Monday I will think about the next matches. Now I can make many decisions. Those who arrive from some injury find it hard to play every day, the others will struggle less. But now I only think about tomorrow's game."
Can a talk of renewals create problems in the atmosphere?
"The club has already had its say. We are confident to continue together. The boys are focused on work, they are calm and have a great desire to play well. The club management is building something important, we want to get the most out of this season."
Can tomorrow be the turning point?
"Before every match, we talk about the turning point. We only have to think about ourselves and win our games in hand."
How is the team doing right now?
"They are all available apart from Diaz, Maldini and Calabria who should take advantage of the disqualification to recover."
On Leao:
"He has done well on so many roles and positions. It is clear that he is growing significantly. For me, he is a left winger but can occupy other roles just as well."
On Ibra's work during the Sanremo Festival in view of the league fixtures:
"It is still early to organise this. For now, we are just focused on the match against Spezia tomorrow."
Is it an advantage to be out of the Coppa Italia?
"We are sorry to have exited the competition. But now, we look forward to our next obligations of the coming week. We must be well-prepared and ready."
How is the team's physical level:
"To be a young team, means that the players can recover quicker than an older player. However, this season is unique and special. No one was able to make enough preparations in view of it. We must keep professional and work hard."
Who will play behind the striker tomorrow?
"Calhanoglu will play from the start. Rebic and Leao are on the left."
What are your ambitions?
"I say to my players everyday: it does not matter what we have done so far. We must keep going at this pace. The Serie A league calendar does not end tomorrow. The season is long. We want to finish the season with no regrets."
A song that you think describes this current AC Milan team in this season so far?
"I think that Volare is a beautiful song, but we don't need to fly, we only must work. We must remain humble and professional to confirm our qualities. We don't have to dream, but instead we must focus. From me, you won't hear the word 'Scudetto' until May."
