AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli, has presented the next clash against Fiorentina, valid for matchday 13 of the Serie A competition.
Here are the gaffer's words:
"I am wary of teams that seem in difficulty due to some absences. It happened to us too and in those cases we found energy and determination. Fiorentina have a precise identity, they are a difficult opponent. Vlahovic? He has grown a lot. Now, he is a very strong centre-forward."
On the preparations during the break:
"We did some work with those who remained. Everyone returned well, especially from a mental point of view. When they returned from the national team they all proved to be professionals: on Thursday they were ready and concentrated."
On how to approach tomorrow's match:
"We have to be focused on tomorrow's game. This is the period that leads to the end of a positive year so we must face it with determination. We want to start well tomorrow. It is very important to interpret games well both at home and away. The team has an identity, a way of playing, believing in victories. Tomorrow there will be a strong and aggressive opponent, we will play to win."
On Rebic:
"He won't be there tomorrow with us. He hit his heel and felt some pain."
On Rafael Leao:
"Leao was able to recharge his batteries, I saw him well both yesterday and today. He is ready to make his contribution", declared coach Pioli.
On Vincenzo Italiano, Fiorentina's coach:
"Italiano has always done well. He is continuing his growth. The work he is doing is an important job: it is a team that is growing a lot."
On Fiorentina's Pioli:
"Pioli of Fiorentina was a coach with a little less experience. I took advantage of every opportunity to try to grow. It will not be a normal game for me, for the belonging, the club, and the memory of Davide Astori."
On Franck Kessié:
"I found Kessié well. His derby performance was judged by only one action, where he could have done better. But, he is fine and ready. I will try to choose well the starters and those who will take over during the match later."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud:
"The choice between Giroud and Ibra comes first from the condition. Then, the choice becomes on the basis of one's own traits and those of the team we are facing. But this also applies to all the others. I have all strong players but with different characteristics. Until yesterday, I had two players per position, I could close my eyes and choose, but then Rebic stopped. In defense, Kalulu and Florenzi are now playing for a place. "
On the team's improvement:
"Awareness has improved: a convinced player is also more performing and effective player. If you have more confidence in your qualities, the more likely you are to succeed."
On Alessandro Florenzi:
"Florenzi is a very intelligent player, he can occupy more positions. His condition is growing a lot, but still his playing time is not so complete."
Pioli on Fiorentina's qualities:
"Fiorentina are not a team that wants to wait, they attack with intensity and unanimity."
On Junior Messias:
"Messias is much better, I'm happy with his return to the team, he's showing me some interesting things. He is getting close to his optimal condition."
On the contractual situation:
"This is not the time to talk about my contract. I have never been in a hurry and this is not the time to have it, let's think about the game."
On the level of concentration:
"My players know which team we are going to play, and they know that it is an important moment in the championship. There are games that weigh and tomorrow's weighs a lot. Our goal is to control the games. We will have to be quick and free, but also to take advantage of the opportunities that will be created."
Could Messias be a new solution for you to use?
"He has different characteristics from Saelemaekers and Diaz. He's left-footed, we don't have many forward lefties here. He will give us new solutions. He needs to play, he has the qualities to give us something new."
