AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, presented the Serie A fixture against AS Roma, valid for matchday 20. Here are his words during the press conference to the Italian media:
"We want to have everyone available, the break helped us in this. We needed to rest and also to work a little. We have recovered several players, who may not be 100%, but they will soon be."
How do you train the team in this difficult Covid-19 situation?
"It is not a normal situation, not only in football, but also for all citizens. The most important thing is health, we are respecting all protocols. But unforeseen events can still occur, so everyone must be ready to play."
On recoveries:
"None of those who came back have 90 minutes in their legs. But they are men who are better, they will also need to play to improve their conditions."
What do you expect from your team:
"What they say outside Milanello is of little interest. I see a team that is willing. Winning would be an extraordinary thing, but we have to show that we are strong in every match. We have created the pressure, we are ambitious. We need to score more points compared to others."
Pioli on Tiémoué Bakayoko:
"We are left with three midfielders, even if there are players like Calabria, Florenzi and Saelemaekers who can play in the middle of the pitch if necessary. I expect a lot from Bakayoko, he will have his chances."
Will Ibra and Giroud play together?
"My choices will depend on their conditions and on the individual matches. Giroud had a good start, then he had some problems, but now he is better and I expect a lot from him. The two strikers are a solution that we have already used, we will see from game to game."
Could you change something tactically tomorrow?
"It is possible to see different positions tomorrow. We are preparing to try to put the opponents in difficulty."
What kind of defender are you searching for?
"We want a complete defender, that is, he must be able to accept one-on-one, he must be courageous and then he must be a good passer, capable of making the right choices when he has the ball. It won't be a roaring market for anyone, but I'm sure we'll find the right player."
On Brahim Diaz:
"In the last few races he suffered a bit, he lacked a bit of physical brilliance. The break did him some good. I saw him well. The decisive player at the beginning of the year will be back."
Leao and Rebic are good at attacking the depth, will that create more space?
"Yes. If you are static the defenses close and leave you no space. With them we can play more even between the lines."
