AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the media in today's press conference about the coming Serie A clash against AS Roma who arecoached by José Mourinho.
Here are the Rossoneri gaffer's words:
"Every match must be the turning point match. We are Milan and we want to play to win. Roma is strong, has only one point but had important numbers in the first two matches. We want to continue the momentum from the first two victories."
What Milan do you expect tomorrow?
"We want to play a certain type of football consistently; it's the opponents that change. We want to play our football, trying to minimize errors as much as possible. We'll need to be attentive and precise, we'll have to dictate the game and not just endure it."
Is there something you like about other teams?
"I've only looked at our opponents so far; then during the break, I'll watch the others. I am focused only on tomorrow's match."
Tomorrow Dybala won't be there...
"With or without Dybala and Lukaku, Roma is strong, organized, very physical, dangerous, conceding little, strong on set pieces. We need to be prepared."
What does Lukaku bring to Roma?
"He's an important acquisition on paper, then we'll see what the field will say."
Pioli, Were you expecting this impact from the new [players]?
"We've worked hard together to prepare as best as we can. I've always insisted on a certain style of play and have maintained certain on-field choices consistently. We're talking about important players, they are strong and intelligent. The whole system is functioning, even though there are still many things to improve."
On RedBird and Gerry Cardinale, Pioli said:
"Cardinale has great charisma and personality. He wants to make AC Milan grow in every aspect, and this enthusiasm is also a motivation for us."
On improvements in defence, Pioli said:
"With Torino, we were more compact. Tomorrow we face a different opponent, and we'll need to be good at reading the situations. We've prepared ourselves well to face a dangerous opponent."
Playing before the others. Is it a problem?
"No, as far as I see it. I prefer to play earlier rather than later. The team is in good shape both physically and mentally."
How will you approach the game against Roma?
"Many things have changed compared to last year's match. The positions we'll take up will be determined by the space they'll leave us. Without the ball, the idea is to be aggressive, but we need to be cautious", declared Pioli.
There's a negotiation for Taremi. How do you feel?
"I have executives who are so capable that I haven't heard from them between yesterday and today, because they know I'm preparing for the match. I don't know what they're doing. Today, I'm not interested; tomorrow night, yes. I'm very happy and satisfied with the team I have. We'll see tomorrow night."
Krunic has had several offers...
"For me, he's a starter for Milan. I've never had any other thoughts."
Can Christian Pulisic play as a false nine?
"Everything is possible in football when there are two essential factors: the quality of the players and their willingness to adapt. Right now, I believe it's important to provide stability to the team. We've made a lot of changes, almost changing the entire roster, with departures and acquisitions."
Juric said that he was surprised by the physicality of Milan...
"In modern football, quality and stamina make the difference."
How many goals can Loftus-Cheek score?
"I hope he can score many. He has the qualities to be a decisive player even in the offensive phase."
How is the integration of Musah, Chukwueze, and Okafor going? Pioli said:
"They are progressing well. Okafor is coming back from an injury, perhaps he is the one who is furthest behind, but he's improving. Musah and Chukwueze have had an unusual summer, they didn't play friendly matches, but they are in good shape and ready to play from the first minute."
On the anticipated Champions League draw:
"We will be on the plane during the draw, hoping that the captain will give us news... Last year we had an amazing Champions League run. We want to approach this year's Champions League with great motivation and enthusiasm. Being in the third pot will probably place us in a tough group, but that's normal. You don't always get what you wish for, but rather what you're willing to fight for. I've learned that one should never lose faith in the players; staying positive, flexible, understanding how to help the team in difficult moments, can be helpful in guiding the team forward."
Is there an emotional impact regarding tomorrow's match?
"Calmness and clarity are always needed, if accompanied by determination and attention", said Pioli.
What do you expect from tomorrow's match?
"To maintain calm and clarity. We mustn't stop looking ahead, finding areas on the field where we can achieve numerical superiority."
