AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the media at Milanello earlier in the even of Milan - Dinamo Zagreb game, a fixture valid for gameday 2 of the Champions League in group E. Here are the words of the gaffer:
"If we play at a high level, we have excellent chances of winning both in Italy and in Europe. Against Sassuolo, we did not play at our level and we did not win. Tomorrow we must play to our maximum potential."
In this match, Milan must not go wrong...
"In all the matches, I deploy the best Milan team. The team is doing well, in the Champions League we have fewer players because they are not on the list. Rebic and Origi will not be there, Krunic on the other hand is recovered. Tomorrow we will play with absolute determination."
Pioli on the Rossoneri's ambition:
"Our ambition is to show our maximum potential in all matches. Tomorrow will not be decisive but very important, we know it and we have prepared it as such."
On Divock Origi:
"I'm sorry for him, but I am not worried. I am convinced of his qualities, it's a shame but it can happen. I hope he can be available after the break."
Is there a problem with how VAR is used in Italy?
"What happened is unsettling. It is easy to point the finger at certain situations, but you have to try to find solutions."
Is Leao missing the jump in quality in Europe?
"One can always do better. The boys are good because they are all ambitious. Leao is playing at a high level from all points of view, he must continue like this. He is a point of reference for us. Each game has different difficulties, he must be good at making the right choices."
Can De Ketelaere play as a striker?
"Olivier is happy to play all the time. De Ketelaere can play that role, obviously with different characteristics. If there was a need, it would be a good solution."
Will there be mercato moves in January to reinforce the attack?
"Between now and January there is still a lot of time. To have two absences in the same department is a pity because we miss important players and the rotation possibility. But I have several players who can play there. Now let's think about the next two games in front of the our fans."
Is tomorrow's game decisive?
"It is very important but it cannot be decisive yet. Last year, by winning the first match on the penultimate matchday, we had the possibility to go through by beating Liverpool on the last day. Tomorrow evening, we could be in first place in the group: it's an opportunity. It will be difficult, because Dinamo deservedly won the first."
Pioli on Dinamo Zagreb:
"In the league, they have an average of three goals per game. They are used to playing in the league, while against Chelsea they played a different game, they played on the counter-attacks. They have all the characteristics to be a difficult team to overcome."
Is there the idea to play a 3-man defence:
"Tomorrow, we will not use the three-man defense. For tomorrow, everything is possible, but now we are thinking only of Dinamo and not of Napoli."
Pioli on if Sergino Dest will start tomorrow:
"He's ready to do it. Tomorrow everyone is ready to start. I will choose the most suitable to start."
