AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli spoke to the media today in the press conference to present the new season and discuss the situation. Here are his words:
"We have a shirt to present, I think it is the most beautiful especially for the (Scudetto) symbol that is there. Our strength is to continue to believe in the players, and in the characteristics of the team such as respect and courage. We will challenge ourselves to continue to grow and improve. None of the players have reached their maximum potential."
He added:
"It was a beautiful summer. I met many Milan fans who gave me joy and enthusiasm, which I carry today and throughout the season."
What does the team need to improve?
"We have ideas. Now we have to evaluate every situation well. Pobega is back and he did a great campaign (last season). I hope he can be the 'Tonali' of the new season, he has good characteristics. (Yacine) Adli has arrived who is very interesting. He is technically good and is able to play vertically. He is an intelligent guy and these first few weeks will help me understand where to make the most of him. He is a very dynamic player."
"We need quality players who are functional to our way of playing. This team can still improve a lot, we are more aware of our qualities, but we must further increase our strength. We are Milan and we must fight to win."
Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic be part of the new Milan?
"I was in touch with him this morning. He is fine, he is recovering. I hope to be able to work with him again because he is a true champion."
What do you expect this season from Rafael Leao:
"He can do even more, but it is normal for him to be like that because he is young. This year he went in double figures, but he can be even more incisive. For the qualities he has, he can do it."
Pioli on Charles De Ketelaere and Paulo Dybala who are linked with AC Milan:
"They are two different profiles. I have great directors behind me who will make the right decisions."
What is the target in Champions League?
"Last year's experience has served us a lot. We cannot think of winning it, there are rivals who can spend money that we cannot spend. But, I'm sure that we have grown a lot. Now we are waiting for the draw, but we want to do our best in Europe."
On how he lived the renewals of Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara:
"I lived it with great serenity. We continued to work together every day. If we have achieved certain results, the merit is due to the compactness we have had together."
How is the group?
"I found a very aware and very mature group; we have not stopped being in touch during these holidays. The recipe is to continue working day by day. The levels are raised, expectations and pressures are raised also because we have won and we want to continue to win."
Pioli on Franck Kessié who joined FC Barcelona and Alessio Romagnoli who is now a free agent (close to Lazio):
"A warm hug to Romagnoli and Kessie, two guys with whom I shared an important journey."
On Simon Kjaer's return:
"We must underline the return of Kjaer. He has been missed, and I missed him. Seven months is a long time but he is fine. Playing with a 3-man defence? It could be valid solution."
Again on Paulo Dybala:
"All good players willing to play as a team are useful for playing for Milan."
Are you late in the mercato?
"I'm sure we will be ready on August 13th. Then as a coach, if they tell me that tomorrow we will be full I would be happy, but I know it won't be like that. We are open to many things, but we start from a very solid base. From July 15th I will have a strong team to train and on 15 July I could field a strong team in the league."
What kind of defender would you like in defence?
"Tomori is a right-footed player who can play on the left, the foot is not a determining feature. Let's see, evaluate what we have and then there will be a way and time to intervene", said Pioli, "The club is ready to do so."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"He is negotiating the new agreement. I hope to have him as soon as possible."
Pioli on who will be AC Milan's rivals in the league:
"There are 5-6 teams that can fight for the Scudetto. We have managed to create a little magic and synergy to find the Scudetto. I can't wait for July 15th to find it again (the return of rest of the players). It will be important to keep the spirit and the desire to work and grow, always putting the team as a point of reference and not the individual."
What do you think of the Rossoneri's calendar?
"There are never easy games. The level in Italy is high. All opponents must be faced with great attention. I have always told the boys that everyone is preparing to win, but whoever prepares better has a better chance of winning."
On Hakim Ziyech:
"I don't know (laughs). Messias had a good campaign. The management will do their best."
Is Pioli still 'on fire'?
"I work with great desire and enthusiasm to continue our journey."
What do you feel in view of the new season?
"Predictions are made on paper. Then, the pitch will decide."
Is it true that you want 27 or 28 players in your squad?
"No, too many. Double roles ok, but too many players don't help."
Who is the player you bet on?
"Bennacer, I bet a lot on him because I know he can really give a lot."
Do you like the fans' chant for you?
"It is exciting. It makes me even more determined to give other satisfactions to the Milan fans who are unique."
What, in the last season, would you do again?
"I'm not saying that I'm no longer thinking about last season. We need to take some ideas. Everything went well, I made some mistakes, but in the end we got a great result."
Is it easier to win or confirm the victory?
"Winning was not easy, now we have to raise our level."
What is the feature that you look for in the mercato to add to the team?
"The quality that is needed above all in matches against the most closed teams", declared coach Stefano Pioli.
