Stefano Pioli, the AC Milan head coach, has spoken to the media today before facing Frosinone in the Serie A matchday 14 tomorrow at the San Siro. Here are his words to the different media outlets:
"We need to oppose a high level of play. De Francesco is doing a great job, and they will come with confidence and enthusiasm. We want to build on the victory against Fiorentina because there are many points to be gained."
How was lunch with Gerry Cardinale?
"It was a positive and constructive meeting. It's an extra stimulus for my work and that of the team."
How do you see Jan-Carlo Simic? Is he ready for tomorrow?
"He worked with us in the summer, played in the friendly against Real. He's an attentive defender, I saw him calm. Will he start tomorrow? I won't tell you..."
Pioli, what do you think about Paolo Maldini's words? (read full interview here)
"No comment on what I said. I'll always be grateful to him and Massara for bringing me to Milan. But now I can't help but use all my energy to motivate my players and try to win tomorrow. I'm not alone, I'm always supported by the club. Now the focus is on winning tomorrow."
How do you have to face Frosinone tomorrow?
"We have our way of playing, and we need to bring it onto the field. We have a clear strategy on what to do when we don't have the ball: they like to possess it, and we need to be very attentive there. Then, games change: we need to be a bit better at reading the moments of the match."
Have you made any progress regarding injuries?
"Definitely yes. I'm sure we'll improve shortly, and the emergency will end. Kjaer won't be there tomorrow, but we'll recover him for the next one. Right now, we have emergencies upfront and in the back, but we have other solutions. We're focused only on tomorrow."
How do you get through this difficult period? Pioli replied:
"By winning, there's no point in beating around the bush. We need to play a serious, real game, with intensity and quality. We were careful against Fiorentina, and tomorrow we must do the same. Victories give you that enthusiasm. Here, we always try to be positive, but now it's time to prove on the field that we're competitive."
What are the responsibilities? Pioli replied:
"The coach's responsibilities are always there. It's too early to assess. In the Champions League, we have few chances, but we'll give it a try at Newcastle. Regarding the team and the championship, I've said that there are many games left, and if someone thinks they can't catch up with Inter and Juventus with 25 games to go, it's better for them not to show up at Milanello. Everyone has shown up, also because they're paid to do so. I'm convinced that we have a cohesive group; especially in negative moments, there has been cohesion, which has been an asset."
What are the solutions in defense?
"We've tried besides Simic, whom you don't know, there are other solutions. We have the right solutions to be a balanced team tomorrow."
Do you feel the absence of Paolo Maldini and Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"I've already said I don't feel alone. Clearly, we need to give the answers on the field."
What happened after Malick Thiaw's injury? Pioli said:
"Surely it affected us, we are all aware that we were missing an important player. But my players know what it means to be a team, they don't have to feel sorry for themselves and they need to give even more."
When will Rafael Leao return?
"I'm thinking about Atalanta; we'll do everything to have him back."
How is Francesco Camarda doing?
"He's the same as always, even after his debut. He works the same way, and the team is always there for him."
How will you face Frosinone?
"They're aggressive. We've prepared for that. We need to find numerical superiority in our build-up; there are solutions to make it difficult for them", said Pioli
What's the key aspect to bring onto the field tomorrow?
"Concentration and determination."
