Before tomorrow's match against Fiorentina, AC Milan's coach Stefano Pioli has spoken to the media in a press conference as usual.Here are his words:
Davide Astori left from here and in Florence became the captain...
"Tomorrow there will be an important initiative organized by the Milan Foundation and the Davide Astori Foundation. We all need to participate."
On tomorrow's match:
"Now more than ever, words serve little purpose; actions are needed, and we must demonstrate that tomorrow. We must show through actions that we've understood the mistakes we've made."
What do you think of Francesco Camarda? Pioli answered:
"Talent has no age. He has a lot of it. Destiny sometimes creates certain opportunities for you. We need to help him. He's young but already mature in character. He's happy to be with us and ready to help us if needed."
How have you experienced the past few weeks personally? He said:
"I work; I have to stay focused on what we're doing. We work to grow, not to find someone to blame, but to improve. Since yesterday, we've been preparing for Fiorentina. I know very well what my role represents: many honors and many criticisms. I move forward with my ideas, my club, and my team."
Are you still convinced that you have a strong group available to you?
"There can be two behaviors: those who try to build something important and those who try to ruin everything. I belong to the first category. I remain confident in my players, not because I have to sell something, but because for 8 games we deservedly led, then in the last 4, we didn't achieve what we wanted and took our responsibilities", said Pioli.
Are you in an attacking emergency tomorrow?
"We have to show that we are competitive. The period is not easy, we are a bit in an emergency, but we have to face it united. Fiorentina has always made it difficult for us, it will take a top-level performance."
Any regrets about the summer choices?
"Regrets belong to those who don't try to do. The club provided me with a competitive squad, now we are in an emergency due to injuries and suspensions. I am sure that the numbers regarding injuries will improve in the future."
Are you still in the fight for the championship? Pioli replied:
"With 26 games remaining, many teams may feel they are in the race for the championship, but that shouldn't be our thought: our focus should be on Fiorentina. Then, we'll see about the objective along the way. Our current goal is to return to winning ways."
Which Fiorentina will you find tomorrow?
"Vincenzo Italiano's team plays attacking football. They offer many players up front who perhaps allows something more behind, but it's always difficult to face them. A clash for the Champions League? It's still early."
Who will be unavailable tomorrow?
"The only regret I have is that over these years, we haven't managed to decrease the number of injuries. When someone gets injured in Milanello, we suffer. Every year, we've tried to change something to improve things. Each player has their own story; some get injured because they've played a lot, others because they've played little. It's not just happening to us, but our numbers are negative. We're trying to improve things to reduce the number of injuries. Tomorrow we'll have Calabria, Pulisic, and Loftus-Cheek back", said Pioli.
Didn't you feel like calling the coach of Switzerland? (Regarding Noah Oafor's injury)
"I've never called them because I have great respect for their work. I believe the schedules are not right: it's a problem that needs to be addressed with a great sense of responsibility by everyone. It should be more spread out and less compressed: it would benefit both the players and the show."
Is the spirit of the championship still there or does it need to be found again?
"The team is working well, but it can do better. We have been penalized for our shortcomings, we haven't lost the spirit. We don't dwell on the past, I accept criticism. We must continue to believe that what we are doing can help us become competitive again."
How is Ismael Bennacer? Has he trained with you in the last few days?
"He's doing well, he hasn't had any setbacks and he's progressing quickly. He will spend another week with us and then maybe he'll be available."
Have you spoken with Luka Jovic? Pioli said:
"I speak with him every day, he knows what I expect from him and he knows his role. Now he understands our way of playing: everything is clear for him to contribute."
What is the mistake not to repeat?
"It's the first time since I've been coaching Milan that the second halves have been so penalizing compared to the first halves. The mistake is losing focus. It's a problem of quality that can be technical and about concentration."
Did you talk to Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Pioli answered:
"No, I know he was in Las Vegas, and I know he's talking with the club and the ownership. If Cardinale saw something exceptional in him, he wasn't wrong. If Zlatan should come back, he'll be an important asset."
Are these next two matches decisive?
"I only think about tomorrow's match. My future is as uncertain as that of all coaches. There's no certainty about tomorrow."
Paolo Maldini said he had tried to get Leonel Messi. Did he talk to you about it?
"No, I didn't know anything about it."
Is there a thinking mind missing on the field?
"I've talked about it with the players. We've always had a leader, which is our way of playing and our spirit. We need to continue following it."
Will Francesco Camarda play tomorrow against Fiorentina?
"If he's called up, it means he can also play. It will depend on the match. Camarda has been doing very well these days. It will be a learning experience for him, but I'm sure he'll have a great future."
How do you manage the team's mental strength in such a difficult time?
"Yesterday, I met Velasco at Milanello. Football is very simple, but at certain levels, it's very difficult because situations change in an instant."
How important will the fans be tomorrow? Pioli said:
"Our fans have always supported us. We have to play as Milan and with the right spirit."
Fans would like more transparent communication about injuries...
"We communicate everything that happens, maybe even too much. Some communicate much less than us. But what matters are the results."
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