AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the media in today's press conference in the eve of Milan - Torino.
Here are the gaffer's words:
"Ibrahimovic? He is much better. I hope he can still be a great player. Tomorrow he will be on the bench. Leao is important for me and for the team. He is back from the World Cup, he lost a bit of brilliance. But he is very focused. I have no regrets for not having included Ibrahimovic in the Champions League squad list. His condition is still not perfect."
He added:
"We thank the fans for their warmth, it's very important for us."
Sacchi said you cancelled the last few years work...
"I made my evaluations. We lack construction from the bottom and in the building phase. I accept his criticism. I don't want to deny the positive attitude of the recent years."
What kind of game will it be tomorrow?
"It will be difficult, Torino are a very annoying team in the way they play. It will take courage."
On the conditions of Mike Maignan, Fikayo Tomori and Ismael Bennacer, Pioli said:
"Maignan's recovery is progressing well. He has returned to work in the field. He's doing better. Tomori and #Bennacer will be available against Tottenham."
On the formation:
"Every match is different. Tomorrow we will have different positions compared to the derby. Against Inter we had accepted to stay a little lower, but there was no strong pressure on the opponent's ball holder and our possession. Negative first half, better in the recovery."
How is the team going through this crisis?
"I'm focused, positive and calm for what I see from my players. I don't think it matters how I am, what matters is how Milan will play. Moments like this happen in football, I need to keep believing in my players and in the work we're doing We know we can do more. We set off to win the championship again, but it won't be like this. A new championship starts tomorrow and we aim to finish in the top four. We have to start again with spirit and enthusiasm. There are still many games left, the championship doesn't end tomorrow. We are responsible for what we manage to do."
The team trains very well, you said this several times...
"We had different perceptions on the pitch compared to what we experienced in training. We just have to think about putting on the best possible performance. Torino are difficult opponents who have always created difficulties for us. I know my players well and I know that we can get out of the crisis."
He continued:
"Thiaw? He's growing and I rely on him, he's a strong player."
On Theo Hernandez:
"I didn't want him to play in Salerno and against Roma, but he had to play. He had a physiological decline. Losing the final may have affected him, but he's fine and he wants to prove his worth, same goes to Leao."
Why did Milan not sign another goalkeeper?
"The choice was mine and that of the technical area. We didn't take another one because we have faith in Tata and Maignan will be back soon."
Will you be able to adapt to Torino's game tomorrow? Pioli answered with:
"I don't know who will play in front for them, but we won't change the way we play based on that."
Are you offended by some of the criticism you receive?
"It does not offend me.I repeat that criticism is everything. I know what I have to do, I know I have strong players who want to react. This is what counts."
Many players have improved under your guidance...
"They are talented youngsters and now everyone forgets that Kalulu, Leao and Tonali took time to establish themselves. Each player has his own path. The team moment is difficult and therefore perhaps it is better at this moment to play more solid players."
On Torino and what worries him the most when facing them:
"They don't play close, they try to hinder your dribble right from the beginning of the action. It will be a dirty game with many duels. It will take a lot of organisation and determination."
Pioli added:
"We didn't succeed in the derby, but we always want to offer proactive football and we want to continue on this path."
Opponents on the flanks are often seen free now...
"The pressure off the ball must be stronger from everyone."
