A very decisive game against Cagliari will be played tomorrow night. A win would mean earning a Champions League spot in the next edition for the new season. AC Milan's coach is preparing his team in the best way possible in order to seal the qualification.
Here are the Italian boss' words to the media during the press conference ahead of matchday 37:
On the women's team securing the Champions League qualification:
"I take this opportunity to congratulate the girls of Ganz for the goal achieved. Well done."
Do the cheers from the speakers before warm-ups make you feel close to the fans?
"We play in our house and this can also help us. We know how important the game is and how difficult the opponent we will face will be."
How was this week for you and the team:
"It was a week full of great motivation. Tomorrow's match could close an exceptional week from the point of view of results and performances. We had a good balance and we must bring these characteristics into play in tomorrow night's match as well."
Do you feel a responsibility in qualifying for the Champions League?
"The home of Milan is Europe and the history of the club shows it. The fact that Milan have been missing for a long time raises expectations. We are in a top club and we know we have prepared this match well. We will have to be very good mentally. The matches are not easy. We are prepared to fight against a physical and strong opponent. We worked hard, taking care of the details."
How much satisfaction is there in having debunked the cliché that Pioli does less well in the second season?
"All our satisfactions and expectations have not yet been achieved. Let's focus on our goals and then we will have time to sum up. For now the balance is still partial. It could be tomorrow or next Sunday but now we will have to have great concentration and determination."
One of the most difficult moments was the double defeat after Sassuolo and Lazio. What happened after that moment?
"The awareness came that our work continued even in defeats. The performances were never lacking and the awareness of not playing good football allowed us not to break down. We never stopped believing in our quality even after the double. Spice-derby defeat. When you have a solid base, it's easier to restart."
Ibra's condition is positive news. Will he miss the European Championship?
"I agree that the news from Ibra was positive. It should be a conservative therapy that will allow Ibrahimovic to return to 100%. After the visit I saw him more relaxed but I don't know his situation regarding the Euro Cup exactly."
How was this week?
"Everyone worked hard and in the best possible way to keep the right concentration. We all rowed in the same direction. We were good at figuring out when to sink and when to strike or stall. Never before have we been thinking in this direction."
What are you afraid of Cagliari?
"Cagliari will field a careful performance. They have quality players, the motivations are on the same level for both teams. We will have to try to play better than our opponents by conceding less and attacking more than them. It will not be an easy match."
Will the emotions or the motivating words guide the team through the final phase of the season?
"My goal is to keep my determination high. I have had individual and collective talks. Tomorrow I will speak again but I have a responsible and attentive group to perceive the moments. They know that we are approaching an important moment in the league campaign."
On Dalot's growth:
"Diogo is a fantastic and exceptional professional. It is easy to give credit for our results to the players who play more but big thanks also go to the players who have played less. Diogo has grown a lot in both phases and is an important player."
How important is the group, as demonstrated by the changes in the match against Torino?
"Now everyone is raising the level because we know that these games will decide our future. The insertion of Leao, Krunic and Meite were fundamental in closing the game. Tomorrow the best formation will start. But, all the players will be very important in the match. I have a very reliable group."
Are these games the last two downhill curves of a long route?
"Yes, but the last two corners can risk losing the race. We need to be attentive and concentrated."
Do you interpret Leao's assist for Rebic against Torino as a gesture of selflessness and maturity?
"I spoke to Leao and complimented him. Some time ago he would have interpreted the action differently. It is a gesture of maturity and spirit that is helping the team to grow a lot. He was very good."
Seeing movements of 4 attacking players upfront, is that basis for the future?
"Yes, especially in Italy because the opposing defenses are good at preparing matches. You have to know how to read spaces and be unpredictable."
Will Ibrahimovic be with you in the locker room tomorrow? Would you appreciate this gesture?
"I really appreciate that and he will be with us in Spoglitatio. I'm sorry that he won't be on the field with us but his proximity will be very useful for everyone."
