Stefano Pioli, the AC Milan head coach, has spoken with the media a day before the next Serie A match, as usual. In view of the challenge with Sampdoria, he said the following words:
"In the league, we are behind where we wanted to be. However, we must only focus on tomorrow's match. Fortunately, the season doesn't end on Tuesday, and we have three matches to show who we are."
On the team's mood:
"We suffered a strong disappointment; we wanted to do better and reach the final. There is disappointment. However, we are ready for tomorrow; we must react like a great team. The Champions League objective is important. Now, all judgments should be suspended until the end of the season because reaching the Champions League is too important."
Is this the biggest disappointment for you?
"It's a great disappointment because the objective is very big. We started as one of 32 teams and reached the top four. I hope there will be more opportunities like this in my career. I'm talking a lot with my players. We have had more successes than disappointments along the way. We have prepared for the match", said Pioli.
Was it worth it?
"Absolutely. We have learned things this season that we didn't learn last year. These are all things that will help us grow."
Is aiming for the fifth position realistic?
"The only real thing is winning tomorrow; other things (referring to the verdict on Juventus) we cannot control, and they do not concern us."
Do you feel inferior to Inter?
"The difference was made in the first halves of the two matches. In the first leg, we conceded two goals in a few minutes, while in the second leg, we couldn't score. That was our flaw. We must look ahead."
Too much pressure on the starters?
"I don't think so. We arrived well for the match. All the rotations I made were done to arrive in good condition."
Why did you lose so many points against smaller teams?
"I'm reaching certain conclusions. We have had too many difficulties in these types of matches."
Why do you struggle so much to score?
"That has been our most important flaw. We scored too few goals considering the chances we created. We must do better. Everyone gave their best, some performed better, others not so well. It has been a complicated season, and in some situations, we haven't lived up to the challenge."
Three Italian teams in the finals of the three European cups. Have the problems of Italian football been solved? Pioli answered:
"It's hard to say. We need to see if there will be continuity or not. Credit must be given to the Italian teams for what they have achieved in Europe."
Do you need many new signings or to modify your plans for the future?
"The decisions have been shared by everyone to improve the team. At the end of the season, we will evaluate everything accordingly."
Is there little gratitude towards the team?
"I honestly don't know; it's not a concern of mine. We have achieved great results in the last three years, and expectations are very high. I have great respect for my players. I coach a top club that wants results and attractive football. When you win, you receive praise, and when you don't, there are criticisms."
How would you describe Milan's season?
"We have to wait until the end of the season. Let's wait until the end, and then I will tell you everything I think."
How important are the next three matches?
"They are important for everyone; we want to finish in the top four. Then, we will evaluate everything to try to be more competitive in Italy and in Europe."
Pioli, why did you move Divock Origi to the left?
"It's not a definitive decision, but without Leao, it seemed right to play him. We shouldn't focus on individuals at this moment. Whether we perform well or poorly depends on the team. If we don't play well, we struggle to win dirty matches. We need to understand and assess certain situations."
Why haven't we seen the same style of play as last year?
"I disagree. This year, we have increased control and dominance in matches; we have fallen short in the final quarter of the field. That's been our original sin, and it's a serious one."
How is Zlatan Ibrahimovic doing?
"He hasn't returned to training on the field yet. I don't know if he will play again this year, but I hope so."
What kind of Milan will be needed in this final stretch of the season?
"We must play like Milan to win the last three matches", said Pioli, "There has been a lot of disappointment, but we have shed all the tears. Now, determination is needed to finish the season well."
What kind of Sampdoria will you face tomorrow?
"Sampdoria is playing with great dignity and pride; they are a difficult opponent. I'm not making any excuses, but they play good football and have nothing to lose. If they play with passion and pride, what should we do?!"
Is the team less carefree?
"You are carefree, smiling, and happy when things go well for you. Unfortunately, this year we lacked consistency in the league."
Were there uncertainties?
"In defense, we started with the same partnership as last year, but things change. Now, Thiaw is doing well", concluded Pioli.
