Speaking to the microphones of DAZN, Stefano Pioli said the following words after the 1-0 victory against AC Monza away from home:
"When we have to defend, we have to do it all together. Clearly, we can do better, the fatigue of a mentally and physically demanding week was felt. We could have closed it out, but winning with this spirit makes for a very positive week. Only by working together can we return to achieving great results."
He added:
"We played a very good second half, then Monza's pressure had to be overcome with more incisive movements from our attackers. We absolutely must continue with this cohesion."
Pioli continued:
"The extra step is a more precise and continuous build-up, passing the ball well to overcome the opponents' pressure. Then the matches change, in the second half, Monza came man-to-man, we changed positions on the pitch, and we must develop better. We will work on it, the next commitments are difficult and important. Now we recover energy, having won three matches working hard and suffering a lot… Now we recover energy and prepare as best we can for Atalanta."
On the movements of the attackers:
"I chose two fast, deep attackers to overcome their pressure. Sometimes we succeeded, other times not. We can certainly do better, as long as we had the physical energy, we played a good game. Monza was the team with the longest positive streak in Serie A. Winning is important for our growth."
On Charles De Ketelaere, Pioli said:
"I think he only lacks a goal. He is young, a guy who hoped to do more, a goal would mean a lot. It will come, he is having opportunities. The qualities are there, just keep believing in ourselves."
Now, three 1-0 victories in a row, are AC Milan healed?
"These were three very important victories, even if the one in Champions doesn't allow us to be too relaxed. If we continue not to concede goals, we have the qualities to win. We start again from here with great strength."
