Stefano Pioli spoke to the media in a press conference today and said these words in view of AC Milan - Lecce Serie A clash. Here are his words:
"It's not just important, it's even more than that. We can finish well, the group is strong. Of these eight remaining matches, five will be at San Siro. We can finish the championship well because of the qualities we have."
He added:
"We closed the Champions League in a sealed room, now it's about the championship. We have to push hard, we don't want this position in the standings."
Pioli, any updates on those who are returning?
"Zlatan is called up. He's doing well. Giroud won't be there, he has a problem with his calf tendon and Pobega took a knock today, we'll see tomorrow."
What do you think of the Juventus situation?
"We can remain focused on the things we can control. Juventus doesn't affect us. Of course, the sooner there's a definitive standings the better it is for everyone."
Are there any reserves who have given little?
"If we've come this far, it's thanks to everyone, to how we work. Everyone is trying to give their best, the judgments are all biased."
Tomorrow you face Lecce...
"We have overcome a very strong opponent, it was something that gave us energy and enthusiasm. We have to be good at bringing it tomorrow. The next two matches will be crucial, and tomorrow there will be an opponent who put us in a lot of difficulty in the first leg."
Possible further revolution?
"I have observed my players a lot after a game like that, it seems to me that they are all ready and I will choose the best formation tomorrow and also the substitutions during the game."
What do you think of Inter?
"The Champions League will come and then we will face it at our best. I cannot comment on the situations of others, but I know ours well."
What approach is needed tomorrow?
"To start well, but it's presumptuous to close it immediately. We are both playing for a lot, us and Lecce, the approach must be one of confidence and bring it into the game for the entire duration."
On the calendar? What thoughts have you had?
"It has been and will be a very complicated season, yes, but it's up to me to manage the players and maintain the right tension. The calendar is what it is, we will need to put out the best formations to achieve all the objectives. My focus is on tomorrow."
Is everything in your hands?
"It's not all in our hands, we're in fifth place. We need to score a lot of points, the calendar gives us the opportunity to do so. There will be high-level matches."
A balance of the period since the game with Lecce?
"The team had a difficult time. We gained important experience. It's important to know how we overcame it, why we worked hard, and stayed together. This experience helped us a lot."
Is tomorrow the most important game of the season?
"Tomorrow is very important, it's the most important. Now, it matters what we do. The Champions League is a separate story, and we will experience two games with great emotion. There are four games left in the league, and now we need to do well."
What do you think of Lorenzo Colombo's season?
"It's difficult to evaluate a player I have followed from afar. It's hard to determine his future."
How important is Mike Maignan?
"All important teams have champions, and champions make a difference. Mike is a champion in every way, and his importance is significant. He is one of the most important players on the team."
How do you approach Lecce?
"We have the right characteristics to face opponents who are fast on the flanks. I'll see during the game."
Ambrosini advised to sleep now... Are you managing? Will you ask Ancelotti for advice?
"I always sleep little, as a coach even less. But I believe it helps me to sleep less and work more. It will be a fantastic semi-final with the two best coaches in the world. I haven't talked to Carlo, but I hope to do so in person."
Calabria stopped Kvara really well...
"I have great respect for him as a person and player. He has incredible intelligence on the pitch."
Do you have any advice for the UEFA Football Board?
"Yes, but I think things will get worse because they always want to play more games... If you play so often, you can't expect the performance to always be high, due to injuries, fatigue... Playing less or having more time for players to recover would be important. Some players never manage to recover and rest: it becomes increasingly difficult or risky for injuries."
What do you fear about Lecce?
"A very direct team. They start away with more speed than anyone. We'll have to lose few balls and defend well."
Is it better to shuffle the deck?
"It's better to play as Milan, no matter who is on the pitch..."
What happened to Rebic?
"He played less because the choices were more focused on other players. He is strong, but also has a strong personality: he needs to play a little more, but I'm sure he will be ready."
