For the match against Bologna, valid for fixture 9 of the Serie A, AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli, presented the game to the media in the press conference.
Here are his words:
"Mihajlovic? We have been facing each other for three years, it means that there is good programming in the two clubs. Many things have changed, however, football is made up of steps and changes. Now Bologna has changed the way they play, an opponent is waiting for us. of good quality."
On the mood at Milanello after the loss against Porto:
"We evaluated the performances, the few positive and the negative ones. Then we returned to the field to prepare for tomorrow's match, it will be a difficult match. Now let's think about the next three league games, then we'll think about the Champions. We are aware that we had a bad game. We lost too many balls and were not very compact in defense. We understood our mistakes, we must try not to repeat them tomorrow against an opponent who will put us in difficulty."
On Ibrahimovic:
"Ibra needs to train and play. He has been training in a group for a week. His playing time will be increasing, I still have to decide who will start between him and Giroud."
Is Milan going through a difficult period?
"It is not a difficult moment, in a long and busy season like ours it is normal to have periods like this. I have a competitive squad and we are ready for tomorrow. Compared to the match in Porto we recover Conti and Castillejo. Kessie had a strong influence and he will be out tomorrow."
Tomorrow you will reach 100 games with Milan as coach:
"I'm focused on tomorrow, I didn't know about this milestone. It's normal that it's nice to be here, I feel good with everyone and I'm fine with everyone. We have to think about the present; we talk a lot about the future, a lot of the championship, a lot of the Champions: we have to think about doing well tomorrow. The season is still very long and we must have our strength in continuity."
Pioli on Rebic:
"No, he tried but he still has pain in his ankle."
On the crticism directed towards Daniel Maldini:
"The first half against Verona was difficult for everyone. Daniel is growing and will be ready."
How is Pietro Pellegri, will you play with two strikers tomorrow?
"The current condition of Ibra and Giroud does not allow us to play with the two strikers, when they are well they can play together. Pellegri had a small problem and he won't be there tomorrow."
Could Tomori rest tomorrow?
"Everyone is fine, including Tomori. He's available, then we'll see if he plays. We will decide tomorrow morning."
On Castillejo:
"I saw him well as I saw all my players well. Castillejo is available and he is one of those who could play."
What do you expect from Bologna:
"With Lazio, they won by waiting for their opponents and relaunching attacks quickly. I know Mihajlovic, we are prepared for any style but moving the ball quickly will count: we will have to make them move."
What did the Porto defeat teach you?
"The team has always learned from its mistakes. We can and must do better, tomorrow we have to prove it."
On the challenges tomorrow:
"We face a team with important qualities. They will be motivated, they are fine and they have had the whole week to prepare for the match", he said, "We will have to stay focused and be convinced of our means. Football and basketball are different sports, but duels are always created on the pitch. Whoever wins the most duels is the team that has the most chance of winning the match.."
