AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media today in view of tomorrow's clash in Serie A at the San Siro against AC Monza. Here are his words in today's press conference:
"Birthday gift for me? I hope the team play at their level. Starting from tomorrow, we will play many matches in a few days, so we need to start on the right foot."
Tomorrow, you face the team of Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani...
"It will be special, there will also be a slightly romantic aspect. Berlusconi and Galliani have made the history of Milan. We must try not to think about that too much. We must face this match that has many difficulties in the best way."
Pioli on the robbery at Theo Hernandez' house with his partner Zoe Cristofoli...
"We're family, so he knows we're here. He was a little upset, but we'll help him."
On Mike Maignan's injury:
"Sorry about Mike's injury, he was doing everything to to come back. He pushed to play earlier, we did things well, but unfortunately he hurt another muscle. Unfortunately, I know he will have to return in January. (for the club)."
Will you select tomorrow's lineup keeping in mind the Champions League fixture next?
"We will play 7 games in 22 days, no one can play them all. Some have played more than others, but I have a group of strong players and therefore I will do my evaluations. I am not thinking about Tuesday, but only about tomorrow."
Is there a chance to see Divock Origi and Ante Rebic?
"There is this possibility, but I will decide tomorrow morning. If tomorrow's game is a crucial point? We need to score a lot of points regardless of the opponent's calendar. We come from three victories and we have to keep pushing."
There are too many injuries so far at Milan...
"These are situations that can happen, but I have a strong group at my disposal with the recoveries of Kjaer and De Ketelaere."
Will the team be distracted from Tuesday's match in Zagreb:
"I'm not afraid of this danger. The team is concentrated, we haven't talked about Tuesday. We are only thinking about tomorrow because we want to continue our path in the league in the best possible way."
Pioli on the calendar:
"I don't think about it because no match should be underestimated. You only make the calendar easier with your performances. We must always think that the next match is always the most difficult and important."
The victory against Hellas Verona was very difficult, what was wrong?
"In Verona, we were not a compact team, the physical condition has nothing to do with it: we were 5 behind and 5 ahead and we gave the feeling of being less performing."
You have phone calls with Silvio Berlusconi, what do you talk about?
"He didn't call me this week (smiles). In the past, he did call me. We talk about football in general and then also about tactical issues such as the start of the action from the back."
From this point until the World Cup break, will the new summer arrivals be important?
"The more time passes, the more they integrate and will show their value. I am happy with Adli's performance in Verona: I think this experience has served him a lot and he will be able to do even better."
Pioli on Ciprian Tatarusanu:
"It is not obvious that he does not rest too, 7 games are a lot even for a goalkeeper. He is an experienced, mature and respected player and will give his contribution both in the offensive and in the defensive phase."
On Olivier Giroud and Divock Origi:
"They are two complete strikers. Divock is physical and technical. Tomorrow's choice will depend on their conditions and the type of match we want to play."
Will Charles De Ketelaere be there tomorrow?
"He is an offensive player, he can play in the middle of the field, on the center right or on the center left: he will be used in these positions."
On Matteo Gabbia:
"He is a fantastic guy and perfect in everything. He is available, serious and polite. I am satisfied with his performances, he is always ready. He is a player ready to give us an important contribution", said Pioli.
Can Charles De Ketelaere and Brahim Diaz play together?
"Of course it is possible. It always depends on the availability of the players. The more quality players we play, the more we have a chance to win games."
How is Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"He is never trivial in everything he says and does. He is a great help for everyone, he is a very positive presence. His recovery is progressing well, but the path is still long. He is working well."
Pioli on the difference between this season and last season:
"The calendar was different compared to last year. In these 10 matches for me, we deserved a few more points, such as in the game against Napoli. Obviously, there are things to improve."
Is the team now worse than last season?
"The determination has never been lacking. We must continue in this direction because the matches are all difficult. We must learn to close the matches first, if you leave them open the opponents can re-enter."
What do you fear from AC Monza?
"It's a team that defends well aggressively, but also dribbles well with quality players in the middle of the pitch. They have complete characteristics, they are doing well with Palladino, they arrive with great enthusiasm. They will be very motivated."
Pioli on Aster Vranckx:
"He's more like (Sandro) Tonali than (Ismael) Bennacer. He has great insertion capabilities so he can also be used in advanced positions."
