In anticipation of the historic Derby in the Champions League semifinals, with a double match on May 10th and 16th, AC Milan's coach, Stefano Pioli, was interviewed by the New York Times. Here are his statements, as relayed by Milan News.
On the pressure of Milan's history in Champions League games:
"It didn't come as something heavy, but more as a strength. The pressure of the club's history has given us more confidence, strength, and conviction. The DNA exists, this club is used to these moments, these emotions. It knows how to be a protagonist."
However, this is a different Milan from the past:
"This Milan team that won the Scudetto last year was the youngest team in history to do so. A club must have a project. Ours was very clear: invest in young and talented players, and then give them time to grow."
Young, but not only...
"The club was smart in ensuring that there was a mix (with experienced players). That's why we've been able to achieve such good results in such a short time. Sometimes a coach can say something and it has an impact. But sometimes a teammate, a champion, can help. Everything is done with the same goal."
Pioli the difficulties of Italian football compared to English football:
"You have to be innovative. With ideas, with the quality of work. Serie A is underestimated: there are many different ideas, different styles, many comparisons with teams and coaches who have different playing systems or who interpret games differently. This has led to a knowledge given by the variety of challenges found at the national level, which makes it possible to be prepared for everything that will happen in Europe. Italian football has suffered for some years, but now it is ready to return to being a protagonist."
