AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the media in a press conference today. Here are his words ahead of facing AS Roma tomorrow in the capital city:
"We need to maintain consistency in our performance, ensuring that the next game is the most important one. And that's how it is: tomorrow's match is worth double and we need to approach it with the appropriate spirit and conviction."
Is it going to be a Champions League game?
"It's worth a lot, as there are fewer and fewer games left. We have three direct clashes, and the more points we make, the more chances we'll have of finishing in the top 4, which is our main goal."
How is Olivier Giroud doing?
"He's doing well, he needed some rest, but now he's fine and ready to play."
Did you review the first leg match against AS Roma? Pioli replied:
"We know their characteristics. But we don't think too much about the first leg, we need to be careful in situations where Roma is strong, such as set pieces."
What worries you about Roma?
"They haven't conceded a goal in their last 7 home games in 2023, and they have players up front who can score at any moment. We will try to keep control of the game."
Does this team have something extra in decisive moments?
"We're doing well, there's a desire to have a great end to the season. Everything will be decided in these last few games, and we need to be protagonists. Then we need to play and win the games, but we focus on one game at a time, otherwise we lose energy."
How is Rafael Leao?
"He's a very committed player. Then, in a season, a player can't always be at 100%. Now he's physically and mentally well, positive performances give you courage and enthusiasm. We expect a lot from him."
Roma protests a lot...
"Roma is strong, Mourinho is doing well. Everyone behaves and does what they believe is right. We only focus on winning games."
How is Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"Ibra is getting better, but there's no diagnosis yet. He won't be there tomorrow, neither will Pobega and Florenzi who have a fever."
What's the midfield management like?
"They don't need to be motivated, everyone knows the importance of this period. Having more players is an advantage."
Do you have any regrets?
"In a season, there are moments when things don't go well, but everything has helped us to be here today, playing for important goals. We only focus on tomorrow and getting points."
Pioli added:
"Games are very demanding, especially mentally. But we're used to playing so much and at such high levels. I have professionals who know how to recover energy, so I hope we'll have that care."
What are your feelings about this season's final phase?
"They are good because the team is doing well and working well. The recent performances have been good. We know what to do in important matches, so we go to Rome with confidence, we have the qualities to do well."
How do you choose the attacking midfielder?
"It depends on how we want to build the game. Having versatile players is important, I know that Bennacer and Krunic can be moved around without problems."
When can Pobega return? How is his development going?
"He still has some pain, but it is decreasing. He has not yet returned to training on the field, he should do so next week. He is doing well, he is growing well. When he arrived, he was more of an attacking midfielder. He can become a complete midfielder."
What is your relationship with Rafael Leao like?
"For me, my players are all like my children, I think about them from morning till night and probably even when I'm at home. I talk a lot with them and listen to them because they are still 20-year-old guys with their own problems. Leao is the player who has been in my office the most in recent years, so there is a slightly stronger bond."
Pioli, will tomorrow's clash be decisive?
"Tomorrow's match is a direct clash. It will be important for the championship, but I am convinced that the Champions League race will remain open until the last day."
What are the characteristics you have given to your Milan team? Where have you had the most influence?
"My team must go on the field with clear ideas and a strong spirit", said Pioli.
Are you aiming for second place?
"It is useless to think about the final standings. We must think about one game at a time, then we will assess our position."
Pioli on if Bennacer will always play as the attacking midfielder?
"His position depends on the opposition's attitude. He is a complete midfielder, then it will be up to my players to understand how to be more dangerous."
How do you defend against Roma's set-pieces?
"We play a mixed defense. We have seen the mistakes from the first leg, but it is not just our own flaw or mistake that can decide these situations. Roma has scored from set-pieces against everyone."
I love listening to you Good luck Sir forza Milan