"After training I find myself with the staff and we analyze what we have done and what we must do", here's how AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli started his interview with Balzaretti on DAZN.
The Italian tactician continued to say the following:
"The start of my coaching career? I was offered a contract as a team manager for a first team, but it was not what I wanted. I wanted to stay on the pitch, I had many experiences that helped me a lot, both positive and negative. I have a staff that helps me on a daily basis."
On how he manages his group:
"There have been experiences that have helped me a lot. The first year in Salerno I went to a starter before the derby against Napoli, I went to him just before the game to give him a pat on the back and he told me that I was the coach and I could make the choices I wanted, but at the same time that I didn't have to go and hug him. It was a lesson, I never go to explain my choices to the players. Obviously my door is always open if a player wants explanations."
On the pressure:
"We feel the pressure of having to win, but we live it on a weekly basis. To win the championship or the Champions League, we must always win the next match. I coach Milan which is one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, now I have great visibility. I have had many experiences in my life, I needed to make my stops to get to this point."
Pioli on his way of communication:
"I have had for two or three years that helped me to know some dynamics. I am very curious, I also like to read quotes from coaches from other sports. A coach has to be good all week and then collect what he has sown when the match arrives."
On the speech to the players before the last fixture of the previous season vs Atalanta:
"To each player, I reminded them of a gesture that helped us arrive to that point. For example, for Kessié, I spoke to him about the kilometers he covered, to Tomori, I spoke about that goal against Juventus. I said particular things to each player. After that speech, I realised that I impressed my players. That was the speech I delivered before leaving the hotel to go to the stadium."
What do you tell the team?
"One of the most important things is what to say before and after the matches. Now I don't say anything after the matches, since Ibrahimovic is there in the locker room (smiles). After the matches, there is little clarity, I prefer to speak the next day."
On the gameplay of AC Milan:
"We want to bring numerical parity in the area of the ball. In the setting phase the fundamental thing is the unmarking, you have to move and cover the spaces. The more you move, the more you put in difficulties with the opponents. In modern football the intelligence of the players on the pitch is fundamental."
On Ibrahimovic:
"He has a crazy mentality and an inner strength", said Pioli, "Inside, he has an incredible motivation that he transmits to everyone. His arrival helped everyone. He had a great intelligence and a sensitivity to joining a group not yet formed. He expects a lot from himself and for this reason he also demands a lot from others."
On Rafael Leao:
"He is more aware of his physical and technical qualities. On the wing, in one on one situations, he is a player who is difficult to control."
On Theo Hernandez:
"He learned to unmark himself even on the pitch, thus taking away points of reference from his opponents. By moving so much we do not give points of reference to the opponents."
On the club:
"The club is always present and gives us great support, this is the strength of our team. Maldini, Massara and Gazidis are always present. Donnarumma and Calhanoglu? They were fantastic until the last moment. At the centre of everything there is always AC Milan."
On the lockdown:
"After the defeat against Genoa, we found ourselves here and the club told us that Milanello had to close. With the staff we decided to leave the players alone for a couple of weeks, it was a particular situation for everyone and so everyone needed space and time. Then we resumed training in groups, the trainers were always present, while the staff and I came in to greet the players and then we went out. The groups rotated so that everyone could see each other. In addition to work, there was also a lot of talk. I think we got to know each other better in that period remotely there."
What would you say to the old Pioli?
"To what the professional coach was starting to do, I would recommend doing this job with great passion and awareness of what one can be."
