AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the microphones of the different media outlets who were present today at Milanello ahead of tomorrow's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Here are the gaffer's words about last Saturday's disappointing defeat against Udinese:
"We disappointed everyone on Saturday, this is quite evident. We need to do the opposite and put it on the field. I know I'm coaching a responsible, attentive team with the ability to play a great match."
Will tomorrow's match be your turning point?
"If we're talking about the Champions League, absolutely yes. We can no longer rely on positive results from the opposing teams. It will be very difficult because the opponent has a very high level. We can play a great match because I have strong players and we have the right ideas to make it difficult for them."
On the negative period:
"We paid too much for some results where we deserved more. We paid because in the last game we put in an inadequate performance compared to what we could and wanted to."
On the lessons from the first half of the season, Pioli said:
"We need to maintain a very high level of focus in both phases of the game. They can strike at any moment but at the same time, they can give you something, and we need to be better and more effective at striking when situations arise that we've already experienced in the first leg."
On the preparations one day before facing Paris Saint-Germain:
"The eve was a day of work and discussion. I spoke and the players spoke, as is always done. It's always done among united groups that need to overcome a delicate moment. The preparation was done with a lot of concentration to try to have a great game tomorrow. In the first leg, we didn't allow many one-on-one situations in the first half, we were compact, we stole a lot of balls: in the situation of the first goal, we had the necessary number of players around the ball."
On Mike Maignan's contribution to the build-up:
"Mike is always at the center of our tactical directives. In modern football, knowing how to build from the back is very important. Mike is a top player in this aspect: he gives us a lot of confidence."
Once again on the frustrating result last Saturday:
"The prevailing feeling within us is one of retaliation and proving that we are not the same as we were on Saturday. We let down the fans who have always supported us, and if they booed us, it means we really performed poorly: we are aware of that. Above all, this is our opportunity to return to playing like Milan."
On Gianluigi Donnarumma's reception, Pioli said:
"I believe our fans will do everything to support the team if we show that we are playing like Milan: they have a great love for our colors. It depends on us to rally our fans and make sure San Siro is an extra boost."
On the boos and the club's atmosphere:
"In these situations, it's not the words that make the difference but the actions. I continue to say that the club is providing me with the best conditions, they have given me a competitive team: if the recent performances have been negative, it's clear that I am responsible. With the passion I have, I focus on the work and preparation for the match."
On the growth of the players:
"They are continuing their growth process. It is they who must help us reach an important level in these matches. Players like Maignan. High-level players who must help us, and tomorrow they will do so."
On the conditions of Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Theo Hernandez, and Samuel Chukwueze, Pioli said:
"They are doing well. Chukwueze has had a bit less playing time, but he has been training for two days. Pulisic will start, and Chukwueze will be ready to replace him."
If you play like the first half against Napoli, can you beat PSG?
"By playing like that for 90 minutes, there are good chances."
