During the press conference today, AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli discussed with the Italian media the next game against Spezia tomorrow and the condition of his players. Here are his words:
"We will have to play as a team. We face an opponent who has not conceded a goal in recent away matches, winning both in Naples and with Genoa. We will have to have clear ideas. Then the performances of the individuals are important, but if the team enhances them in a certain way."
On Ante Rebic:
"He has had quite important problems, it will take some time, especially for someone with his characteristics. Ante has to exploit every single moment. I don't think it will take long, but a little patience is needed."
How important is beating Spezia?
"Last year we had a bad game against them, but that's another story. But we believe in ourselves, fate is in our hands."
Are Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez the best in Europe together?
"They are difficult comparisons. Let's not forget about Rebic, we are always very strong. Now the opponents know us better, so we always have to vary our positions. Theo is becoming more complete because he goes more often inside the field and alternates in front with Leao and Rebic . They are still growing rapidly and can improve a lot: they are already at high levels, but they can still grow."
Pioli on the injuries:
"I have great confidence. We will have some difficulties in the substitutions. The team has worked well and is doing well, both mentally and physically. Spezia are in great conditions. We know our skills and qualities and we have to play with confidence."
On the mercato:
"We have to respond on the transfer market, believing in our qualities and confidence in our means. The next match is the most important, but I don't think it will be a decisive month for the Scudetto..."
What worries you more, absences in midfield or defence?
"I have great faith in those who are there. It is clear that we may have difficulties in spare parts. But we have prepared ourselves well mentally, physically and he is well on the pitch. It will be a difficult and complicated game, but we know our qualities and we will play with great conviction and trust."
On Alessandro Florenzi:
"He took some time to adapt due to his injuries. At first I used him a little higher, but he feels the role of the full-back more his own. He is very intelligent, from a technical point of view he is of high level. He is a very, very flexible player, applied and useful in both phases of the team's game."
On Pietro Pellegri:
"He is certainly better, but I think he will be back after the break. He has quality, but he has had too little continuity in his work to show them", said Pioli.
On Brahim Diaz:
"If the performances drop, there is another ready to take over. If you want to play for Milan and do it as a starter you have to be ready to keep the high level up."
On Tomori's recovery times:
"If it were up to him he would play tomorrow. The surgery usually takes four weeks, the times are those, we'll see. The surgery went well, it is the first time that he has had an injury like this."
Four of the last five goals conceded came from set-pieces...
"We are working on it, we need to improve with attention and communication", said Pioli.
How do you intervene at half-time in the locker room?
"The management of the interval is quite similar for me. I take advantage of the journey from the pitch to the changing rooms to have clear ideas in mind to tell the team, then I give two minutes to the team and, then, after the comparison with the video analysts, I give some tactical indications to improve the game."
