AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media in a press conference at Milanello to discuss the Rossoneri's next match against Salernitana away from home.
First, let's talk about Christmas which is approaching. There's a great group...
"That's true, there's no need to emphasize it. There's a great group that also includes those who enable us to work at our best every day."
What's been Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impact?
"He's the usual Zlatan. He's approaching a different role, he's curious and determined. I've seen him motivated. It's been an interesting day."
What do you think about the Super League issue? Pioli replied:
"I've just heard the news, I don't have enough information yet to give a deeper judgment."
Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic be in Salerno tomorrow?
"Yes, he'll be there tomorrow. He's an added value for me and for the club. He has great experience, he's a symbol of those who challenge challenges."
How are the injured players doing? Pioli replied:
"I'm not giving a medical report, but we're still in an emergency situation. The recent injuries have been strange and particular. We're working to return to normal because we have many games to play."
How many minutes can Bennacer play?
"I hope he has a good amount of minutes. He's doing well. Tomorrow he'll start and will stay on the field for as long as he can."
Has a new season for Milan started after Newcastle?
"It depends a lot on tomorrow's game. We're trying to find the right continuity. Tomorrow is important, we know their characteristics and our strengths."
Will you confirm the three-defender formation tomorrow?
"Salernitana is changing its way of attacking. We will take the field in the most suitable way."
Are you in contact with Algeria for the Africa Cup? Pioli said:
"It's not up to us or the player to make the schedule. He (Bennacer) is doing well. If he accepts the call-up, he will go to the Africa Cup, just like Chukwueze. Then it will be up to us to find other solutions."
What do you need in January's transfer session?
"The club knows what our needs are. The club is ready to intervene in January."
Are you satisfied with your season so far?
"We cannot be satisfied with what we have done so far, but we can make it better than it has been."
What do you think of Pippo Inzaghi as a coach? Pioli replied:
"At Milan, he gave a lot, he's in the hearts of the fans. He has been coaching for a while, leading in difficult moments. I wish him good luck, even though tomorrow we'll be rivals."
On Rafael Leao and the need to score a goal soon:
"It's important for us and for him. He was coming off a period of being sidelined; I've seen him doing well these days. I hope he'll be at his best tomorrow."
Now you'll have several whole weeks to prepare for matches...
"We'll work on certain situations, especially on an individual level to improve everyone's condition. After the Coppa Italia and before the Europa League, we'll have three weeks to undergo certain workloads."
You are working to improve the situation...
"I hope as soon as possible, although unfortunately, we will have some very long injuries. We hope to return to normality soon."
Why is Rade Krunic playing less?
"At this moment, there's someone who is performing better than him."
Is a midfield of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ismael Bennacer, and Tijjani Reijnders sustainable?
"It depends on how we want to play. It's a trio that can perform well together and give us the right balance."
For Salernitana, it's a do-or-die match. How do you approach it?
"We have to approach the game as if it's a do-or-die situation for us as well."
Pandoro or panettone?
"I prefer panettone, maybe with a bit of mascarpone..."
