AC Milan's Coach Stefano Pioli, can finally enjoy an important win against Empoli after a series of disappointing results. When the referee ended the game, here's how the boss spoke to the microphones of DAZN:
"Giroud? He had a few more days, a little more time. I didn't have many alternatives. He will have to find the best conditions for fluency and play with his teammates. He is a strong player who will give us many solutions."
On Kessié as attacking midfielder:
"Both a tactical choice, because we wanted to put pressure on their low top, and a physical choice too. When the players are smart they can play anywhere and do it well. Kessié going to African Cup? AFCON will take away from us 3 important players and that is a shame. But I have other important players with other characteristics; the important thing is to have organisation and clear ideas."
Pioli on Milan's growth:
"We have certainly grown, through the Champions League and also the difficulties. When you always win there is the risk of settling down, while when you take a few slaps you learn more. We still have to grow a lot, being more continuous throughout the whole match. Where we can go is difficult to say. We want to be competitive to try to win. Inter are the favourites, they are very strong, but the championship is still very long; Napoli are strong, Juve are very strong, we are here, Roma and Atalanta as well. The league is very balanced and there are difficulties for everyone: we need to keep the level high. We want to do better than last year in terms of points, we want to do more."
On the win vs Empoli:
"Scoring four goals is a lot of stuff against an opponent like this. We knew they would create difficulties, but we did well enough in the non-possession phase, more in the second half with Giroud's work. We hit at the right moment, finding the winning play in difficult moments: we were on the right track, we were humble. It's an important victory, tonight's one weighed more for many reasons, so I'm satisfied."
AC Milan finish the year with a win – Theo, Florenzi and Kessié shine; ratings and review
