AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, talked to the media in today's press conference in view of tomorrow's Serie A fixture against Sassuolo. Here are his words on the sold out San Siro for the final match of 2023:
"It's confirmation that we have an incredible fan base, it stands out especially in delicate moments: they are always there. It's a heritage to be safeguarded: it's up to us to deserve this environment."
Is there something you're afraid of?
"I'm not afraid, I would like the team to express its full potential. We certainly have to have better distances on the pitch, be more compact than we were in Salerno."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pioli said:
"Ibra at Miami? You have to ask him this question. He had already made this commitment before his return, but I don't think this is a problem. I don't see anything particular."
On Matteo Gabbia's possible return:
"I'm not talking because the transfer market hasn't started yet. The club has made itself available to fill the difficulties we have at the moment."
Tomorrow will be a last resort for you...
"It shouldn't be. Every time we take the field, we must go out with the awareness that we give everything. We made mistakes that lowered the level of our match in Salerno."
Are you questioned by the club?
"I haven't heard from Cardinale, I last saw him here a month ago, then I talk to the managers here at Milanello. I've lived this week working, a lot, celebrating Christmas with the family. I don't think about my future, because we have to think about Milan's present."
Have you spoken to Ibrahimovic?
"We spoke via messages, he asked me how the team trained and what the sensations were, as we always do."
Pioli, could injuries affect the other players?
"You should see how they train... The players have no fear, they want to overcome difficulties."
Positives and negatives?
"We generate many opportunities, but we need to make better use of them. And then, we concede too much."
Could it be said that leaders are missing?
"No, that cannot be said. It's wrong to focus on individuals. We are a team striving to improve, aiming to grow, aware that we're not performing at our best. We all can do better."
But Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao...
"Rafa is recovering from an injury. You might assume the recovery is standard, but he's one for sprints, for stretches... Theo is displaying incredible commitment. We all can do better."
What is your flaw?
"Our flaw is the lack of consistency. The new players are talented, but it's normal that adapting to the Italian league takes time. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing league, but it's certainly the most tactically complex and pressured. Our challenge is inconsistency within the same game. We're focused on resolving this issue."
Will Bennacer and Chukwueze be available against Cagliari?
"They're in discussions. There's hope, but no certainty. Negotiations are ongoing."
Why have you conceded so many goals?
"Because we haven't maintained a solid defensive structure. We need to improve."
Olivier Giroud hasn't scored at San Siro in the league since August... Pioli replied:
"For a striker, a lack of goals isn't beneficial for him.
On raising the expectations:
"Five years ago, a third-place ranking would have been welcomed with happiness, but now it's not enough. The higher expectations have been created not only by the fans but also by the team's style of play."
On Sassuolo:
"It's a team that scores a lot of goals but also concedes many. We have to be careful of Berardi and Laurentié. We have to take advantage of their defensive difficulties."
Pioli on the match against Salernitana:
"In Salerno there were many opportunities to win the match... there are situations that need to be interpreted better."
Pioli added:
"There's a lot of talk about tactics and technique, but those who've played football know that communication on the field is crucial. We need to grow a lot in this."
Patience and time. Can you have them?
"Milan needs to win tomorrow; we need points. We can't think of fixing a part of the season only tomorrow. The season is long, with many games and three competitions. I've always tried to have time and patience to be balanced, but we need to give continuity to our results. We have to find consistency, not in two months, but as soon as possible."
Inter and Juventus also lost vs Sassuolo:
"That's a quality of this team: they know how to interpret certain matches well. If you beat certain opponents, it means you have quality."
Do you have drops in performance in the second halves away? Pioli said:
"Thinking about Lecce and Napoli, yes, in Salerno, there were many incidents. It's necessary to have continuity even within a match. We need attention and concentration always."
What would you change about 2023?
"There's one thing, and there's not even a need to say it..."
