AC Milan are set to take on Torino tomorrow in what will be gameday 2 of the Serie A. Here are the words of head coach Stefano Pioli in the pre-match press-conference in view of facing Torino at the San Siro:
Since Easter 2022, there have always been 70,000 spectators. What do you think you've conveyed to the fans?
"I believe and hope it's the love for Milan. Playing at San Siro makes us happy, we draw energy from them. We're extremely happy to return there, and it's no surprise that there are so many fans. We'll do everything to satisfy them."
Do you expect this kind of Milan in Bologna?
"The best thing is the availability of the players; we've run a lot, not perfectly, but the players' effort has been total."
What do you think about the transfer market? And the Lukaku situation?
"As a coach, I'd prefer the transfer market to end before the start of the league, and I don't understand why a solution can't be found. I'm focused on tomorrow's match, but I have an organized club that will seize opportunities."
After Zlatan Ibrahimović's departure, is Rafael Leão making further progress?
"He's been doing that for several years, especially on the field. He's been working consistently and positively. On his availability: I'd like him to make fewer runs and take position immediately."
The squad consists of 30 players. What's the ideal number?
"Less than 30 (laughs). In my mind, I'd like a team with versatile roles and then draw from the young players. If we talk about three goalkeepers and versatile roles, we're around 25 players."
Does the bar raise against Torino?
"The new players will be happy to play at San Siro; they'll be impressed even if they come from important clubs. San Siro is San Siro, with unique fans. They'll experience emotions that will stay with them and hopefully bring them positivity. Tomorrow, we face a team that has won four out of their last four away matches. We know the difficulties, we know how we want to play, and there's a lot of positivity."
What will happen to the surplus players if they're not sold?
"Those are evaluations we'll make on September 2nd and 3rd, if such opportunities arise."
Who does Reijnders remind you of?
"I don't like comparisons; I believe each player is a unique story. I think Tijjani is very intelligent; he can offer many solutions. Making comparisons is difficult; the characteristics are too individual."
Milan's defense still seems to struggle. Why is that?
"We've given away a bit too much, but the premise is not correct: if we attack well, it's not just the attackers' merit, but also those who build the play. The same goes for defense: it depends on the team."
Pioli, what characteristics do you want from your striker?
"At the moment, there's Giroud, Colombo, and Okafor who can play as a striker. We're covered."
Have you changed your opinion about Kalulu?
"Pierre is strong; he can play both as a central defender and as a full-back. Now we're working more on his full-back role."
Who will be Theo's backup? Pioli said:
"Bartesaghi is interesting; when he's not with us, he'll play with the Primavera. As backups for Theo, we also have Calabria and Florenzi. We have internal solutions in case Theo is absent."
What don't you want to see tomorrow that you saw in Bologna?
"I liked many things in Bologna. We need better reading in the defensive phase, even though analyzing matches can be difficult due to the unique characteristics of each team. Torino will adopt different positions compared to Bologna."
What are the major challenges in facing Torino?
"They combine organization with physicality, along with quality players. They're a team from the upper part of the table; they're a team that can trouble anyone. We're in good shape; it's the second round, and we want to persist. We want to overcome difficulties with the right solutions, especially in winning the ball back to pose a threat."
After a while, some say the coach needs to be changed. You've changed players, why?
"It's the study of football that drives me to new things, not so much a change for the sake of it. We want to find solutions that can offer more guaranteed results. Every year, even though I've been here for almost five, I try to find something different in training, communication, motivation, as routine can flatten the level. I seek new things to stimulate the players with different approaches, even for myself."
How is Luka Romero growth progressing?
"He's doing very well; I must say he's one of those who surprises me the most. He's in the list of choices; he competes with players of his level, but he's ready to play. He's an intelligent and talented young man", said Pioli.
Pioli talks about the positions of Tijjani Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek:
"Reijnders had a higher position in the last game, but it changes from match to match. They're both central midfielders; without the ball, one of the two should play as a holding midfielder, not only those two but all the midfielders."
What do you need to do to tighten the defense?
"Work as a team, be strong and attentive. Often, when we make a mistake, we're already intense in pressing, but when the ball reaches our half, we're less so and we can improve. Being balanced is an important starting point for a team that perhaps has good scoring potential. Not conceding goals could ensure important results."
