AC Milan's coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media in a press conference at Milanello today ahead of tomorrow's Serie A matchday 11 against Udinese.
"The Napoli game? when a team goes 0-2 up after that first half, it was reasonable to expect a win. That didn't happen. It's a shame about the early goal conceded. But now it's in the past: what matters is tomorrow. It's right that expectations have been raised."
Will there be management of forces? Tomorrow, the best possible lineup?
"Tomorrow, the best possible lineup and we start with the intention to win: it's too important to get back to winning."
Pioli with the updates on injured players:
"Loftus-Cheek is doing well and will be there, Pulisic won't be there tomorrow as a precaution, but he will be with PSG, as will Chukwueze. Kjaer has a good chance for Tuesday."
How is the group doing?
"On one thing I am absolutely certain and sure: I have never had, not even in the year of the Scudetto, such a close-knit, cohesive, eager, and available group, even in such a short time. I told the boys: we must make the most of this fortune."
Many criticisms...
"It's normal that we get criticized and that I get criticized if Milan doesn't win for three matches. We have to work to improve, because in three direct clashes we haven't won a single one: we need to raise our level."
Any news on Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to the club?
"I don't know. I work with a lot of people at Milanello, I talk often with Moncada and Furlani, and the club is structured to support us. If the club and Zlatan decide to create other situations... You know how much respect I have for him, for me there would be no problems. I am a fortunate coach: the club always puts me in the ideal conditions to do my job."
Does Luka Romero have a chance tomorrow?
"I thought he could have a bigger impact in Naples, because he always trains very well. He's an option for tomorrow, then we'll see", said Pioli.
Is Theo Hernandez on a decline?
"If each of us could give 1% more, then we can truly reach a much higher level."
Injury problems...
"In the last two weeks, it's been difficult with injuries, one after the other. We'll improve this situation soon, but tomorrow we'll have some problems especially in the defensive department."
How is Milan physically?
"Playing with energy is one of our objectives, even if it doesn't always mean pressing high on the opponents."
Is Tijjani Reijnders doing well?
"He's not declining, I'm happy with his performances."
Injuries also due to stress? Pioli replied:
"I know the coach Pincolini and have great respect for him, I've worked with him: I know that when he speaks, he says the right things. I believe he's partly right: the mental aspect is important."
Are you expecting a reinforcement in defence?
"We've lost two defenders in defense: I'm talking to the club about possibly bringing in a defender in January."
Simic in defense and Musah as a possible alternative on the wing?
"Simic is an interesting young player, I could have other options as well. Musah is versatile: he can play on the wing, and he can also play deeper. But I hope that tomorrow we won't need to find other solutions."
What to do to grow that 1%? Pioli answered:
"We haven't lost enthusiasm and we're not presumptuous: improvement comes from playing matches with the right mentality. Tomorrow we'll face an opponent who will sit very deep: it will be necessary to make logical choices."
Are you satisfied with the group?
"I'm very satisfied with the group that has been created and with a certain identity that we already have. But we still have a lot of room for improvement, both individually and collectively."
What difficulties will there be tomorrow?
"The difficulties will be in finding the right spaces, because they will ideally sit very deep. We have to play a lot in their half, with clarity, patience, and urgency, as well as with a lot of cohesion."
Is Olivier Giroud the strongest center forward you've had? Pioli said:
"On and off the pitch judgement: top. I've coached great center forwards: Zlatan, Klose, Gilardino... He is at a very high level."
Are you worried about the playing time tomorrow?
"The referee will have to be very attentive and good at understanding these situations, we have to focus on ourselves."
