On the pre-match press conference, for the second fixture of the Champions League semi-final with Inter, AC Milan's boss, Stefano Pioli, shared these statements with the media. Here's what he had to say in view of tomorrow's crucial clash:
What are the team's eyes telling you in these hours?
"That there is concentration and motivation, that they are preparing as best as possible to try to win tomorrow's game."
How is Leao doing? Will he be there?
"He's doing better, as are Krunic and Messias. If everything goes as it should, they will be available for this afternoon's finishing session and will play tomorrow."
In some ways, is it easier to prepare for tomorrow's game?
"I don't think it's easy. I think we have an important goal, which is to win the game and try to qualify for the Champions League final, which no one would have predicted, just as at the beginning of the year no one would have predicted our presence in the semifinals. The preparation will be the best possible. I know we can play a great game, and I know how strong my players are."
How do you prepare for a game with this disadvantage, and how did you experience this week?
"I experienced it with the goal of putting on a great performance. The level of the second half of the first leg won't be enough; we need to raise the level. The game is long, we want to start it better, and we have to make as few mistakes as possible and take advantage of their mistakes."
In derbies, you have struggled at the start of the game. What do you need to do to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past?
"We need to get to the second balls first and have a different approach than the last few times."
You have always said that these games prepare themselves. Is there a button you have been pushing in the last few days?
"We have only talked about the derby. These are appointments that we dream of experiencing. We know we have a handicap, but we also have the qualities to overturn it."
Without Bennacer, what midfield will we see?
"It's a shame about Isma's injury. He will undergo surgery tomorrow morning. We will play with different characteristics, with an extra attacking midfielder compared to the first leg. Maybe it will work better than the first leg."
Are there any past experiences that can inspire you?
"Those who play football know that games are never over until the end, and feats exist. And we believe in them."
Is it a cliché or the truth that Inter is the team that poses the most difficulties for Milan? Pioli said:
"Inter is a strong team that has characteristics that have put us in difficulty."
Does Calhanoglu as a playmaker make it more difficult for you than Brozovic?
"No, I don't think that's the situation."
On set-piece situations, is it just a matter of inches or also concentration? Is the difference in offensive production only due to the possibilities of choice?
"We're not a very tall team, that's a fact. We need to defend set-pieces better. We had our offensive chances, but we didn't capitalize on them. We need to make the most of the opportunities we create. Inter will give us something and we need to exploit it."
What do you think of Turpin's appointment and Inzaghi's words? (Inzaghi said: "I have many friends and acquaintances in football who contacted me when they saw the designation of a French referee with the 4 French players in the Milan side, but there’s no problem. I have the utmost confidence.")
"I don't like, honestly, to put my hands up. It's his comment..."
In the first leg, there were similar mistakes in other derbies. And it seemed like Inter had more stamina. Are there tactical and mental difficulties?
"We made mistakes. They are not the same as before. We need to limit our mistakes as much as possible. We need to be more ready to read the situations."
Will Rafael Leao play tomorrow? Pioli answered:
"If he completes the training session, he will start the game."
