AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media in today's press conference in view of tomorrow's Serie A clash against Empoli. The challenge will be valid for matchday 29.
Here are his words:
"Intensity? It is crucial to keep it. Matches are won first with attitudes, determination and then with quality. We must be humble: the championship is important for us and we must take advantage of this home game."
How are you experiencing the news about Berlusconi's health?
"We are all worried, but we don't have such precise information clearly."
How to only think about tomorrow? Pioli said:
"We must stay focused. We had an important victory in Naples, but it must serve us to always play at that level. We must only think about tomorrow."
Will you field the best formation?
"The formation will be the best possible according to my ideas. Then, there are many matches to be played, so surely there will be some changes."
Leao said that he prefers to play on the left...
"I don't satisfy only one player. Rafa had told me exactly the opposite, but it is important that he is happy and plays with a smile; he should not be worried or anxious. He went through a difficult period like the rest of the team."
Pioli on the problem of racism in Italian stadiums...
"I don't know. I have many friends who go to the stadium with respect, but I am very sorry because football and sport should be experienced with a different spirit."
Will Brahim Diaz be available?
"He has had two separate training sessions, but he is available and then I will make my choices."
Were you angry at Rafael Leao before the Napoli game for having made some mistakes?
"I got more angry when he didn't make certain movements. It doesn't seem like Rafa combines the game very well with the others... But, he did so well against Napoli."
Pioli on if he has difficulties facing teams who choose to play with a more defensive approach to close down spaces:
"Attention and quality of the game: that's what we need. Then, we had difficulties against more defensive teams, but we worked on it and I expect improvements."
Spalletti said Milan won because they were afraid of losing...
"I don't have to comment on Spalletti's words, it would be a mistake to think about Napoli."
Will you confirm the midfield trio?
"We think from game to game. The three midfielders in Napoli had a great game."
Do regrets increase for the Scudetto race?
"Nothing increases. Judgments are made at the end, at the end of the season, and I hope beyond for the Champions League. We have to do well these two months."
Alexis Saelemaekers and Bennacer played well in Napoli...
"He's doing well. He's an unpredictable player with important characteristics. I'll make the choices tomorrow morning. Bennacer is a complete midfielder: he can build from the back, he can attack higher, he knows how to shoot. We'll see tomorrow's choices."
You can't make mistakes with the small teams... Pioli said:
"That's what we've prepared for. We have to face the remaining 10 games as if it were do or die: we have to give our best."
Can Charles De Ketelaere have space on the right?
"Charles has the characteristics to roam both from the center and from the right. It's not a change that can create difficulties for him."
What do you think about the stadium issue?
"San Siro has made history in Italian football and for Milan. But we can't remain anchored to the past if we want to improve our future. Situations have improved abroad because they have faced these dynamics with timeliness and modernity."
On the situation of Rebic and Origi who have less playing time:
"I don't think so (that they're 'in the dark'). Rebic and Origi are of excellent level. They haven't had the continuity, also because of my choices, but they have my great consideration and I count on them."
Pioli shares his thoughts about Tommaso Baldanzi, Empoli's 20-year-old attacking midfielder who is linked to AC Milan:
"Empoli has been playing a certain type of football with a diamond formation for many years: it's fast, technical, takes good positions on the pitch and runs a lot. Baldanzi is a young prospect."
What does Milan require to repeat last season's feat?
"Two indispensable characteristics are needed: quality of play in controlling the game and the ball, and the defensive attitude of individual players with pressure on the opponents", declared Pioli.
Pioli on tomorrow's fixture and what to expect...
"My way of working is to prepare each individual game, quickly forgetting the previous match: each opponent is a story unto itself, and even our matches have their own stories. For tomorrow, we have prepared some positions."
How can you not think about the game against Napoli?
"You can do it because the objective in the league is very important, and because otherwise the victory against Napoli would be useless."
