AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli, sat down with the media as he took time to answer some questions in view of the Champions League top fixture of tomorrow: Chelsea - Milan at the Stamford Bridge. Here are the gaffer's statements:
"What to expect tomorrow? They are two teams who prefer attacking football and try to command the game. Difficult game, the quality of the opponents is high."
The team has many injuries but do you expect a strong statement and reaction from the players tomorrow?
"I ask the team to play with our qualities and to give their best. I'm sure the team will try.."
Pioli on the Chelsea team:
"In addition to the momentary classification, a very difficult game awaits us. They will have a strong approach. We have to be well-prepared. I think my players have the qualities to put such a strong team in difficulty."
On the injuries:
"Those can happen, and the busy calendar does not help. I have with me capable professionals who will help us to find solutions."
He added:
"I believe that by now this group has shown that it is mature and aware, but every game and above all a great challenge like this allows you to understand where you have arrived and how much you've grown."
On the words of Graham Potter as he discusses his new Chelsea project:
"I know Potter because Brighton played well last year and I followed him. He makes the team play well and plays attacking football. In the two games with Chelsea, he changed positions, going from defense of 3 to 4 which is a bit strange for a coach who arrives, but he is like that. We know Chelsea well, this has allowed us to work much more on ourselves, but we have also prepared something for them."
On Ismael Bennacer being the club captain tomorrow against Chelsea:
"There are different types of leaders, Isma is a technical leader and is a leader by the example he has: he trains and participates 100% every day. He is definitely a leader of this team".
Pioli talks about the gap between Italian and English football:
"The field determines the performances and the results. If we see it in that light, it is an important match, it will make us understand many things. Chelsea won the Champions League a short time ago, they strengthened the team by spending a lot: the level is very high. We want to try to play at their level and put them in difficulty."
How far are you from winning the Champions League with AC Milan:
"I think the team is growing a lot and we must use this experience to continue growing. Step by step, we must grow to reach the level of those 5-6 top European clubs."
Pioli on the Rossoneri's focus on young players:
"I think the club has made very specific choices, building a team with many young players and mixing it with more mature, experienced and proficient players. I think it's the best mix. With young players, you need patience and time needed to grow. Having teammates at the club like Olivier (Giroud), (Simon) Kjaer and Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) is a great support. We are talking about young players who are ready for these challenges."
