AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media in view of the game against RB Salzburg. Here are his words to the media:
"Doing well tomorrow night would mean a lot because it is our first goal of the season. We have built this possibility, we have the opportunity to reach the second round. There is disappointment for the defeat in Turin but now there is only great concentration for tomorrow night."
Sandro Tonali said that you should not think that a draw is enough...
"He's right, we don't play like that, we don't know how to spare ourselves, but we have to enter the field and attack. We don't have to change our way of playing."
What did the players tell you after your renewal?
"The credit belongs to everyone. The club is giving me great confidence. I am very happy with the renewal. I thanked the players because without them, this renewal would not have been possible. We have started our three-year journey, now we really want to go through to the next round tomorrow night."
What do you fear from tomorrow's game with RB Salzburg? Pioli answered:
"We have to field the best possible performance. They have very specific qualities, but we have to play with our characteristics. We will need great determination and clarity in our choices."
On Rafael Leao and if Milan can do without him if he were to be subbed out again at half-time like in Turin...
"He's a great player. Tomorrow, he will be in top condition and like everyone else, he will give his best to reach our goal."
At Milanello, there is the statue of legendary AC Milan head coach Nereo Rocco, with this renewal, you might overcome him. Is it your goal?
"I gave myself this dream and I want to continue living it."
Pioli was asked once again about Rafael Leao:
"I didn't have to tell him anything. I saw him well. We analysed the defeat against Torino. If the opponents think about seeing the Milan which they saw in Turin, then they will be disappointed. Leao is fine as well as the others."
Your renewal came at an interesting time, after a loss against Torino and before the decisive Champions League game against RB Salzburg...
"I also really appreciated this thing, just as I appreciated that they offered me a longer extension. It is an important signal, I hope our journey together is only at the beginning. We want to make Milan bigger and bigger with more and more goals and ambitions. I have to thank the owners and the club. Here, I feel appreciated and respected and this is fundamental for a coach."
Pioli on his team always reacting after defeats...
"We are a strong team with important values. We know the difficulties we will find, but we have great motivations and then we will play in front of our fans. We have all the cards to do well."
