Ahead of the game to be played tomorrow at the San Siro stadium against Red Star Belgrade, valid for the round of 32 return fixture of Europa League, coach Stefano Pioli gave statements to the media.
Here are the Italian technician's words:
On Milan's period so far:
"It is difficult and complicated but when the level of competition is raised, it becomes normal. Now we have the obstacle of tomorrow, we have a small advantage. We will have to show much quality to be able to pass this round."
On the desire to react:
"The group is aware of their qualities and skills. We have a big desire to show our reaction tomorrow. We want to do it starting from our own conviction that we can play excellent style of football."
How do you explain the decline of form?
"We analysed the last performance, only at the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second we played our game. We played with little intensity. We have to start again with rhythm and continuity, starting from tomorrow's game against Red Star."
On Tonali's difficulties:
"When the team does not play well, all the individuals go into difficulty. Sandro Tonali is growing well."
On Bennacer and Kessié's conditions:
"Bennacer hasn't had a relapse. He won't be working with the team this week, we hope to have him back soon. Kessie is fine, he's available for tomorrow, then we'll see what choices do we have to make."
Will it be a problem for you to play every three days?
"No, it would give me more anxiety not to have to play every three days. We want to do well in Europe, I have many players to keep the team at a high level. Tomorrow will be a complicated match, but within our reach. We want to move forward in Europe."
How is Ibra also in view of Sanremo Festival?
"I talk to him every day. Last week we set his schedule, he will miss a couple of training sessions but he will be there with the team."
On the criticism that Romagnoli is receiving and the impact it could have on him:
"We win as a team and we lose as a team. I don't like someone to accuse when we lose. He's the captain and he has done a lot to make this team grow, even helping the young players. We have to stay together. Some defeats can make us grow."
Do the opponents take different measures?
"The matches are all different. In La Spezia we found a very aggressive team, while Inter made us play the match. The matches are all different and can change, but we must have clear playing principles. We must insist on This. Then there could also be some changes if we were to find other difficulties, we must be ready."
What did you tell the team?
"I see a group motivated and willing guys to return to play like a few weeks ago. I told the team that there are 90 days to go until the end of this league campaign, they will be decisive days for our season. If things go well, they could miss 93 days since the Europa League final is on May 26th. I will not not say anything about the match, I said before Spezia's game that we had trained well and then we know how that one went. We have to prove it on the pitch."
On the problems that the defence is having:
"It is wrong to talk about individual departments. We attack and defend all together. If we have conceded a few more goals, it is because we have not defended all of them with the right intensity."
