As usual, a day before the match, Stefano Pioli attends the press conference as he discusses with the media the team news and the preparations ahead.
The next game for AC Milan is against Porto in the Champions League. Here are the gaffer's words:
"We face a solid opponent, compact, with quality attacking players and a good coach. It is a team used to playing the Champions League: it will be of a high level."
On the preparation:
"Every single match has a different preparation, the opponents change and we used the break to study them well. We prepared the strategy, we hope it will bear fruit."
On Ibrahimovic:
"Zlatan is definitely better, I think the time can get up, but not many more minutes than the 15 he had on Saturday night."
On Bennacer:
"Bennacer is fine, he's back in good condition and Saturday's match testified to it: he's ready for tomorrow. The first two defeats in the Champions League? They don't perfectly photograph the reality of the matches: the double confrontation with Porto will be decisive for us."
On Krunic:
"He can start from the beginning, he and Daniel are playing for the place. He entered well against Verona. The worst of the injuries is the period that is then needed to recover the condition well."
On Ibrahimovic:
"Zlatan is very physical and temperamental player but so is Porto's defender Pepe. It is very important for us to have Zlatan with us, he is ready to compete against any defender."
On Porto:
"I think it's a complete and compact team in all departments. If I have to name a player, I'll pick Luis Diaz: he impressed me for his quality and speed. He's a player to be held in high regard for the defensive phase."
On the team's form:
"The guys are growing and they have potential, but there are still many things missing. Tomorrow night is another step to overcome. I saw a very motivated team today. We absolutely have to stay focused and lucid in reading every situation. Attention and collaboration must be high throughout the game. We lost the first two games due to carelessness in our defensive phase."
On Rafael Leao:
"He is more aware of his qualities, has incredible potential and is increasingly in the game. I believe, however, that he can and should do even more."
Pioli On the training and goal to improve:
"Ours is a mutual work: I try to help them grow, they (the players) give me everything. I try to give them all the information possible, motivate them and train them. They are the ones with their qualities, then, who can make the difference."
