AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli spoke to the media today ahead of the match against Atalanta, valid for matchday 2 of the Serie A.
Against Udinese we saw continuity, will we see the same thing in Bergamo?
"Last season, we know how it went and it has created a wealth of experience that we are pursuing with enthusiasm and awareness. We have prepared the match well, Atalanta is a very strong team, we know them well. We are ready to show our way of playing."
What does the match against Atalanta represent for you?
"It's a step to grow, to see our performance and every match gives you some indications. They have changed some players, but not the framework. They combine organization, intensity and quality. It's a direct match, an important match that arrives early in the calendar that we must face in the best possible way."
What can Tonali become?
"A complete midfielder. He needs experience of situations to interpret. I found a guy with great humility and desire to work. He knows he must continue on this path, he must be ambitious because he has great potential. But he must maintain this desire, generosity and desire to work. this feeling like a Milan fan. When you play with passion you can give something extra."
How similar and different do you imagine tomorrow's match compared to last time?
"Two teams that know each other well face each other, who develop proactive and offensive football. In Bergamo, a year ago, we had the skill to take the lead straight away. I think it will be a match in harmony, a good match to play."
Do you feel as favourites?
"We have to be an interchangeable team. We are strong, we all have to feel important here, but no one is indispensable. What is indispensable is the mentality and the work. Favourites? There are 7-8 strong teams. It is a very balanced championship. We must continue on our path, think about the next match and work to become more and more competitive."
Do you still expect something from this transfer market window?
"As for the market, we have the will, if the situation were right, to improve certain situations. The squad is strong, Kjaer is getting close to 100%. I repeat, if we find something to improve well, otherwise we are already competitive like this."
Pioli on Charles De Ketelaere:
"He did very well in all three areas of the attacking midfield. But, starting as an attacking midfielder or second striker. Not as a winger. I see it difficult that he can start from the right... He is aware of it, he is a very intelligent boy who is learning the language..."
On Tommaso Pobega's availability after recovery:
"He has important characteristics. I bet. He is better, he had a small problem that made him lose some training... But, he is ready to be available and to do his job."
Against Udinese, Milan worked a lot on the right flank...
"It was a situation dictated more by Udinese and testifies to the fact that we are a mature team and tomorrow it will be important to read the game. Running a lot in possession of the ball is not a good solution, tomorrow we have to move a lot. Krunic? He had a muscle problem and we'll see how big it will be."
Pioli on Alexis Saelemaekers and Junior Messias:
"Junior can be better at giving us breadth and Alexis at going between the lines. It depends on what we need and they are two high-performing guys. Both are ready to play."
On the importance of Ismael Bennacer:
"Bennacer combines quantity and quality, he is a complete and strong player. If we want to build with the two midfielders they will be more available to build. It depends on the opponents and on what we want to do. By now both he and Sandro know how to read these things."
What is the personal challenge for head coach Stefano Pioli this season?
"I think it must be part of the ambition of every single member of this group to have to give more. I have important responsibilities for how I deploy the team and how to motivate. The level of my communication with them leads me to be more and more direct. We have to work well together to grow. Like the players, I also have to grow and here I feel I can work harder and harder to get the most out of it", Said Pioli.
Is it better to focus on a more physical or more technical team:
"Tomorrow, everything will be needed. Above all: quality, which is what makes you win games. But we must have intensity, mentality and unity."
How are you experiencing playing matches as champion of Italy? Pioli answered in the following way:
"We don't think about it. We think about preparing the matches in the best possible way. We are focused on the match. Great concentration and excellent preparation. Because the team is doing well."
