It's a new season and AC Milan are ready to start it tomorrow against Bologna. As usual, the head coach of the Rossoneri, Stefano Pioli, has spoken in the pre-match press conference to the media and said these words:
"The new signings? The club and the executives have listened to my recommendations regarding player characteristics and roles to have more options. I am satisfied with what has been done. There are still 10 days to go, and the club is still attentive to evaluating any situation. But our focus is on tomorrow's match. I am happy with the players who have arrived: we mustn't forget that we have changed around 20 players between departures and arrivals. I have asked those who stayed to do their best to help the newcomers adapt, and for the newcomers to do their best to fit in. I want to bid farewell to all my former players who have taken different paths. Now, a new season begins. We want to be ambitious because strong players have arrived."
Why is a new striker needed?
"Anything can happen. It might even happen that we stay as we are: I am also content with Okafor's performances in that role. Colombo has grown a lot and deserves his space."
Given the many changes, is it even more important to start well tomorrow? Pioli said:
"It's always important to start well. The result tomorrow won't determine this team's path. It's not a new Milan; it's a Milan that we thought needed some changes, to renew some positions, in order to be even more competitive. We must think of doing everything to win."
Now at Milan, there are many foreigners and few Italians...
"Talking about Italian and foreign players in 2023 is bizarre. Milan has always aimed for inclusivity, even the third jersey has this objective. Milan needs to have strong players to be competitive in all competitions."
Pioli added:
"There's excitement for this debut and also curiosity because it's the first meaningful match. The matches we've played have been very helpful in understanding where to work. We're working to become the best we can be. The word 'impossible' must not exist for us. We'll take it game by game. Right now, it's difficult to talk about percentages: what I've seen in this month of preparation, I've liked. Attitude, willingness, and cohesion."
Who is the favourite to win the Serie A?
"Yesterday I watched the first matches: football is always evolving, and we always expect new things. Italian coaches are always ready to make many changes", said Pioli. "We could also propose something different. The first four positions have always been contested by 5/6 teams, and I don't think it will change much this year."
Pioli, are you satisfied with your job?
"The beauty of my job is being able to change, to face new situations. I am fortunate to deal with changes. There are 10 days left in the transfer market, and we still have players leaving: I am satisfied with what the club has done. We have found the roles we wanted."
What are your thoughts on the newcomers?
"Okafor is regaining good condition and is certainly better now even if not at 100%. Musah and Chukwu have had a unique summer: they wanted to come to Milan but they had a preparation below the norm, but it won't take them long to reach optimal condition. We have no defections."
Will Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao, and Giroud play together?
"Yes. It's clear that there are two factors: the condition of all four players and their willingness to sacrifice for the team. I won't have problems with either of these situations. But I want to try it."
Regarding Krunic's role, Pioli said:
"I talk a lot with my players, and I did the same with him at the beginning of the season. Right now, he prefers to play as a deep-lying midfielder. He's a very intelligent player, and his position allows Loftus and Reijnders to be more free and ready to make runs. The field will give us better answers."
On the schedule: Top 3 teams in 11 days. A challenge?
"Our schedule, in terms of the opponents we'll face, is similar: Torino plays tomorrow, and Roma only has one extra day. But that's also why we wanted to strengthen the squad, to have everyone ready and able to give some players a rest."
About Yacine Adli: How did you find him?
"I found him motivated, but he has always been that way, despite my limited choice of him in the past. If he wants to play in that position, both defensively and in terms of positioning, he needs to work on it. He expressed his willingness to do so. He can also play as a central midfielder."
A thought on Mazzone? Pioli declared:
"Unfortunately, we coaches never faced each other. Mazzone was an example of passion, seriousness, competence, and professionalism for us coaches. He remains an example of a capable person and coach who I admired for his ability to get into the players' heads. I also liked his way of communicating. I remember him with great respect and positivity. My condolences to his family."
Will there be difficulties like last season?
"It's easier to learn from defeats and challenging moments. I've never lost my serenity nor my confidence in my players. This has helped us overcome a really tough time like January. Now a new championship begins, and we must start with great enthusiasm. We have a community that supports us and follows us with great passion. Fearless Milan? I believe it should be a fearless Milan that cannot do without three characteristics: ideas, carrying them forward with conviction; quality; sacrifice. If we manage to combine these three factors, we can achieve satisfaction."
Pioli on where to improve:
"After a month, the mechanisms can't be perfect. We've worked on many situations, and tomorrow we'll take the field with clear ideas. The matches will tell us where we stand, but there will be a lot of work to do."
Regaining possession high up the pitch: is it a trademark?
"It has always been so, but that won't be the only solution to all problems. When the right positions are there, we like to regain the ball and prevent the opponent from playing to be more dangerous than them."
Among the "veterans," who has grown?
"Everyone has come in grown, last season taught us a lot. For the players who have been with me for four years, they've experienced many situations not just from a tactical perspective. I find players more mature and prepared."
