AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to DAZN after the crucial win against Fiorentina. He praised the team's attitude in working hard and never giving up. Here are his words:
"The team played, fought against a team that created difficulties for us. We have been dangerous, another step forward and there is satisfaction both for us and for our fantastic fans. From Tuesday, we will prepare for the next match."
On how he experienced the goal:
"It was like some release. We had several opportunities. We had the right mentality, we continued to work as a team. With matches like this there is always a bit of tension, we fight for a very important goal, we all feel this energy that maybe going forward in the game becomes difficult to manage. But the players, despite being very young, are doing very well and are really good, they are overcoming important steps in terms of awareness, of knowing how to suffer: we are at a good point", said Pioli.
On Theo Hernandez' position:
"We knew that they had Gonzalez take Theo and we tried to surprise him with the depth of our full-back. Today we have chosen to keep Theo higher and Calabria lower. I like the team a lot for how they are working without the ball, they all work with great attention, intensity, communication. We have the qualities ahead of us to be dangerous and concrete."
Pioli on the team's mentality:
"I believe that our mentality is a perfect assembly line: starts from the top because the club has trusted and supported our board, the directors believe in my work, and consequently I believe in my work and in my players.
"We are all positive even in difficulties and we do not stop believing in our qualities, knowing that we coach a very young team. But it's the club first and foremost, with these spectacular managers that I have. Maldini and massara are always close to us, they support us. We all know how things are going in football, the players feel if the manager values them and the coach knows if there is the trust of the managers and the club, and this is good for everyone."
On the journey during this campaign so far:
"We are winning the games in the final, because above all the players who are playing less enter with the absolute desire to help the team until the end: in this way we become a team and thus overcome the difficulties. As far as our path is concerned, we are in continuous progress. I wish we will fight for these goals again and maybe for some it will only be this time. This is why we must do everything necessary to do our best until the end."
Pioli concluded:
"Scudetto? We have to prove ourselves. We have our qualities and we must put them on the field in the best possible way. We aim to do our best and think about the next match."
AC Milan grab an essential victory in a sold out San Siro against Fiorentina thanks to Leao’s goal
