In today's press conference ahead of the match against Udinese, Stefano Pioli has spoken with the media.
Here are the statements of the AC Milan boss:
"Only tomorrow's match counts, it doesn't count what we did in previous experiences against Udinese. It's a different team, as are we. They're fine, but so are we."
On Yacine Adli:
"His mind has not changed, he has always been available and attentive. He has never lacked this type of attitude, he has always been professional and convinced of his qualities. It happened that I told him that there could have been room by changing his position on the pitch. His latest performances are of a high level. If at the beginning of the summer there could have been doubts about the new position now there are none, so he is like a new signing for the team."
Pioli talked about the need for continuity:
"We should not have fears; we must always have the will and the necessary clarity to perform at our best. Tomorrow will be challenging, in the second half of the season, we aim to do better than in the first half. It's pointless to look too far back; what matters is tomorrow's performance. We've certainly had a good week."
Milan's difficulties in away games:
"Milan needs to gather as many points as possible; we want that from every single match. There are no minor or major matches. There are three-point games, and tomorrow, we want to return home with the full loot."
Are you still looking for a defender?
"Yes, the choices we want to make in this transfer market are unchanged; the club is working on it. There are still two weeks."
Difficulties against Cioffi's Udinese... Pioli responded:
"I don't think so. The question would be entirely correct if I had faced Cioffi with other teams, but I've always faced him with Udinese. It's the teams that face each other, not the coaches playing the game. I didn't win against Mourinho; Milan won against Roma. Tomorrow's match is what matters, not what happened in the past."
Rafael Leao and shots on target, is there a problem?
"In terms of precision, yes, there have certainly been many attempts. We have the second-best attack, and Rafa is a crucial player. Even when he can't be incisive, he still creates space for us, takes away opponents. We've changed our attacking approach a bit, holding onto the ball more, having more control over the game, which means fewer spaces for counterattacks. Rafa needs to try to find different spaces against deeper defences, make more pronounced movements. He is a decisive player for our offensive phase."
Against Roma, too many shots on target were conceded. Is it due to midfielders more suited to build up than to defend?
"I believe the team needs to work together in the defensive phase. I reviewed the game with Reijnders and Adli; they had a great defensive game, always tracking the runs and covering the areas we wanted to cover. Only in the penalty situation did they open up too early, allowing the vertical pass to Lukaku. They worked well. The defensive phase requires teamwork; we must be willing to sacrifice and communicate, and this is also needed for tomorrow's match", said Pioli.
Pioli gave updates about Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Tommaso Pobega, and Pierre Kalulu:
"There are no precise timelines; we will assess the situation at the end of the month. In ten days, we have an appointment with the medical staff to understand the returns of Tomori, Thiaw, Kalulu, and Pobega. At the end of the month, we will need to finalise the UEFA list, and it will be crucial to understand these situations."
Is the focus on recovering those above in the standings or keeping those below at a distance?
"We look at our own standings and aim to improve them game by game. Our goal is clear: to perform better than in the first half of the season. Then, in 3-4 months, we will assess the standings. Right now, we need to focus on ourselves and extend this positive moment as much as possible."
What characteristics should the defender you are looking for possess? Pioli replied:
"A complete defender is needed to play for Milan. They must be capable of defending, building up play, and participating in offensive maneuvers. A strong and solid player with many important qualities."
Is there an idea of a loan for those who have played less so far?
"We are evaluating all these situations. Tomorrow, Pellegrino will complete his return by playing in the Primavera, and in the final days of the transfer market, we will assess these situations."
On the excellent numbers of Milan with Simon Kjaer:
"I know these numbers very well because the boy often repeats them to me (laughs). These statistics tell us that he is a leader; Simon is an emotional and technical leader. He speaks well and a lot, knows how to take the position. As for the future, it is too early to talk about the future of each of us."
Are you satisfied with the number of midfielders?
"I believe that if there is an opportunity, something could be done in the market. We lost Pobega for quite some time, Bennacer is in the Africa Cup of Nations, and we lost Krunic. There may be a chance for an addition, but it depends on market opportunities."
Milan with the best physical condition so far?
"I believe that is a consequence of the mental aspect. You feel good mentally if you win games; those are the expectations of the environment. If we win games and there is enthusiasm, then we are in good physical condition, but that was not our problem."
Are you changing anything in preparation to peak in February?
"We are planning more specific training sessions. We know how much our players need personalized work based on the roles they play. Ball recovery is very important, but we can still work a lot on pressing again. It's something to insist on, especially tomorrow. Stopping their counterattacks immediately would be important."
Is Yacine Adli the new Fernando Redondo at Milan?
"Speed is not his best trait. The attitude with which you play matters: if he is the one who has recovered the most balls, the attitude counts. He is elegant and clean. But making comparisons is difficult."
Pioli, what do you ask from Rafael Leao?
"He is playing much more with the team; his key passes and assists have increased. It is clear that they expect goals from him. Then he is always determined in his offensive phase, freeing up space for others."
What would you change compared to the first leg?
"There are many things we could have done better."
Now, you play without a midweek fixture, which is useful to improve fitness levels... Pioli answered:
"Very important for working on everything. You have more time to develop all situations; you don't have just one day to prepare for the match. Playing only once a week changes a lot. It's nice to play three times a week because it means you are in Europe and competitive."
