AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, starts the pre-season today and he has took the time to talk to the media in the first press conference of the season. Here are the words of the gaffer:
"First feelings? There is emotion, certainly, but I think this is right. The important thing, however, is to start working: only by doing this, the ideas will be clearer. First of all, I'd like to thank Maldini and Massara because it was the longest lasting relationship with managers. If I'm here I owe it to them too. Then the club decided to go in another direction. Honestly, I've always felt at the center of the project. Before the interlocutors were Maldini and Massara, today Moncada and Furlani. I've always worked even during the month off: talking to the players who have to arrive has become a practice."
On the transfer market window:
"Our market has always been one of ideas and surprises, then trying to achieve important results with work."
Do you have more influence now in making decisions in the market?
"Even before, I said what we needed, I've always participated in building the team. I have great respect for my players, but I think the time has come to make some changes."
Who will be the surprise in the mercato?
"It's hard to say now, the market is constantly evolving."
Pioli on AC Milan's goal:
"The goal is always to get the most out of it and be competitive in every competition and try to win something."
Would you like to have a full squad in the USA?
"I'd like the whole team, but it's not possible. The transfer market lasts until August 31st. From now until I leave for the USA on July 21st, I expect some movement."
Do you feel more alone and less protected?
"No. The fate of a coach depends on the results. I have always taken responsibility for my actions, and I will continue to do so."
The fans are always by your side...
"They continue to show that they are unique and the best."
Are you looking for a center forward? Pioli answered:
"It's not fair to focus on a single player, but there will be changes. Zlatan will be missing, so finding a striker is a target."
Will you change the formation?
"This is almost my fifth season. I feel like the architect of something with a solid structure, but where certain areas of the house need to be fixed to have something better. There may also be tactical innovations to gain more advantages. Much will also depend on the characteristics of those who arrive. With quality players and intelligence, new things can be done."
Is Milan's schedule difficult?
"I approach it with great confidence. The schedules? We have to face all opponents. We just have to focus on working well. We must make the best use of the days we have before the start of the season."
Are you looking for more foreigners than Italians?
"It's not that we don't want Italians. We're looking for players suited to our way of playing football. If they're foreigners, it's because we think they're more suitable. We're talking about high-level players who won't need a long period of acclimatization", said Pioli.
How much do you miss Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and who could be the leader now in the squad?
"This team, thanks to Ibra as well, has grown, but now we have players who can be leaders. We are more mature than three years ago. This will also be a challenge, that is, to be successful even without Ibra. Ibra as a club manager? He is always welcome at Milanello. I spoke to him a few days ago, and I still don't know what his future will be and what choices the club will make regarding this role."
Is there a new balance needed now after the exits of Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara?
"Maldini and Massara have been protagonists, but it's the club that provides continuity to the path: the players know where they are, what shirt we wear, and what we represent."
Did you hear from Gerry Cardinale?
"I heard from him this morning. He wished the team good luck and motivated me for the season."
How do you feel about the sale of Sandro Tonali?
"It's a significant loss from a technical standpoint, and we'll need to replace him adequately. It's a good situation for both parties for him, and it's difficult to do anything different."
Pioli, who will be the rivals for the Scudetto this season?
"The opponents will be the usual ones. You make the predictions and in the last two years, you have never guessed it... It doesn't matter now. It will be a tough and challenging championship."
This year there will no longer be the long break for the World Cup...
"Having typical weeks is optimal for everyone. Having fewer midweek fixtures is an advantage, not just for us but also for the others."
Have there been any changes in your staff?
"Roma and Betti have left, there is still one position open and it will be filled soon."
How have you found the new arrivals like Loftus-Cheek and Romero?
"Loftus and Romero are very motivated, they want to give a lot to this team. One of the best qualities we can look for, beyond technical ability, is motivation."
Have you spoken to Chukwueze and Reijnders?
"I speak a little bit of all languages, but I try and hope to make myself understood."
What kind of players are you looking for? Pioli said:
"Speed and one-on-one ability for the right wing. Midfielders with different characteristics from each other."
Is Kalulu a fullback or a center-back? Do you need reinforcements in defense?
"I confused him a bit. He will start as a center-back, but if needed, he can also play as a fullback. If there are no departures, I believe we will stay as we are."
What was your relationship like with Maldini?
"We had an excellent relationship. Of course, we also had some disagreements, which were more frequent during the championship-winning year. Respect and admiration were always present."
Were you afraid of being sacked?
"If one fears it, they get sacked. I know the risks of the profession."
Silvio Berlusconi passed away recently... Pioli said:
"I heard the news while I was on the plane to the Maldives. During my years at Milan, Berlusconi called me often. The last time was a few days before his passing. He always had an incredible love for Milan. All Milan fans have lost a reference point. I spoke with Galliani. We are glad to participate in the Silvio Berlusconi Trophy."
Will Baresi have a new role?
"I'm not sure if that will be the case. Franco is Milan, and he already holds a position within Milan. His experience would undoubtedly be beneficial to everyone."
