Stefano Pioli, the AC Milan coach, expressed himself on Sky Sport Italia after the Cagliari-Milan match: "We started the game well, we could have taken the lead but we weren't clinical. Then we conceded a goal due to a lapse in concentration. After that, we did well to turn it around with our principles and win a not-so-easy match."
On having more depth now:
"I started with this goal and the club was wise to accommodate me. I don't have a huge number of players, and I prefer it that way. I have a few, and they're ready to play. Maybe you can pay a price in the short term, but in the long term, we'll benefit from more motivated players and fewer injuries. I won't make changes just because of the many matches, but also to maintain a high level for the team."
How do you rate Ruben Loftus-Cheek's game? Pioli said:
"Ruben is a strong player, very versatile, who gives us everything: ball control, runs, physicality, set pieces. He's very important, but he needs to be managed because he hasn't played much in recent years."
How do you rate Yacine Adli's performance?
"He did well. I'm very happy for him. He's taken on this role since July 10th with a lot of willingness and a desire to improve: he always reviews his teammates' performances in that role. He did many good things, and there are things he can do even better, but it's a performance that allows me to consider Adli in that role."
Milan has great potential...
"We played a tactically challenging match. For us to be dangerous, we needed to be balanced, but some cracks were visible. We controlled the game. Okafor had a very good game: he can play as a striker or on the wing in place of Leao. I have many versatile players, maybe only Chukwueze can play exclusively on the right. Jovic is also recovering good form; he gave me positive feelings against Verona."
How to shore up the defence?
"In the first half, we didn't risk anything, except on the throw-in for the goal where we should have been more attentive. In the second half, we made a few too many passes and conceded a bit, but it's not so simple to control for 95 minutes. Of course, we could have done better."
Pioli, how is Tijjani Reijnders?
"He's a fantastic player; I'd like to see him get more involved between the lines. He has intelligence and technical finesse... He tried today. Musah can also play as a defensive midfielder, and that reassures me when substituting for Krunic."
How exciting will the new stadium be for the fans?
"I believe that the future of a great club depends on passion for San Siro, but it also hinges on innovation and having a stadium that's owned. Italian football is behind in this regard. The new stadium will make the club even more illustrious and competitive."
