AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the different media outlets at Milanello in today's press conference.
Here are his statements:
Is the championship still open?
"Yes, because there are still many matches left. Continuity is crucial in the league, that's our goal. We aim to at least reach the top four, but we'd like to achieve a bit more."
What Atalanta will you face tomorrow?
"Matches against them are always tough. They'll fight until the end for the top 4 spots. They're a complete team, possessing quality and physical strength. It'll take a high-level performance to win."
Are you following Charles De Ketelaere? Pioli said:
"I've been especially keeping an eye on him these weeks ahead of tomorrow's match. He's playing in a more offensive role, he has quality, last year was a learning curve for him, he's a promising player. If he plays, we'll need to be very attentive to him."
How are Rafael Leao and Simon Kjaer?
"Today's training is crucial for Leao. In the last few days, he reached good intensity levels. Then we'll decide. Kjaer has overcome the issue but hasn't trained with the group yet."
Pioli, are you only thinking about Atalanta?
"We're only thinking about tomorrow, there are no issues in already thinking about Newcastle."
Some players are coming back...
"There are certain moments in a season: the more players we have available, the better. Bennacer needs some time to regain his fitness."
What do you appreciate most about Gasperini?
"His tactical consistency. He has always given an identity to his teams. I highly respect him."
How do you see Luka Jovic?
"I have no doubts about his qualities. He needs to work, to be intense. In modern football, intensity, both physical and mental, is crucial. If he maintains this level, he will be a significant help to the team."
Tijjani Reijnders - Yunus Musah in midfield?
"We have a fairly certain way of playing, then it will also depend on what the opponents do."
How much do defensive absences weigh?
"It's an opportunity to show our worth and cohesion."
How is Rade Krunic doing?
"It's a matter of fitness. He's experiencing a drop, you can't always play at 100%. At the moment, there are players who are in better shape."
Can a left-footed player alongside Tomori bring benefits?
"In the construction phase, definitely. In today's football, center-backs have space and time to make plays. Theo, when he has the ball, provides us with different solutions."
Bennacer wants to win the Ballon d'Or...
"I have no doubts about his qualities, he's of the highest level. It's right for a player to set such important goals and then work towards them daily. He has great personality. He needs to regain his best condition. He had a recovery without setbacks, with great consistency. We await him at 100%."
Set pieces seem to be a taboo?
"We definitely need to do better. It's one of our objectives."
Do you feel a bit like a scapegoat? Pioli replied:
"No. I'm the Milan coach and I have certain responsibilities. I don't feel like either a hero or a victim."
Is Noah Okafor close to returning?
"He won't be available tomorrow. Tomorrow he has the final check-up. If it's positive, his return will be very close."
When will Ismael Bennacer return as a starter?
"Soon. I don't think it will be too long."
Is your style of play too intense for three games a week?
"Our style of play has deep roots. I don't believe it's so intense that it can't handle three games a week. Our goal was to be competitive in the league and in Europe, so we'll try to achieve it with our ideas."
How can Tijjani Reijnders and Ismael Bennacer play together?
"I'm talking a lot with Bennacer about his position. We have clear ideas. Among intelligent players, it's never a problem to have them play together."
Why did you choose Theo as a center-back?
"His conviction that he can also be useful in that position."
How will you contain CDK?
"We've studied Atalanta. We know and understand what to expect from this player."
