AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the media in a press conference ahead of tomorrow's fixture aainst Lazio.
Here are his statements:
"We want to replicate the performance from Sunday, but achieving a different result."
What kind of game will it be tomorrow?
"Lazio has great quality coming from a defeat. They will be motivated, they will play well, but we can make things difficult for them by playing with intensity."
Is the championship over?
"For the first place, I believe so. Inter is having an incredible season and they've had a tough schedule, yet they've won all their games: overcoming that path so convincingly, I think it's over."
Could Inter win the title in the derby...
"You're experts at losing energy over distant things. April 21 is still a long way off. We need to focus only on tomorrow. We'll assess things during the break."
Why didn't you win against Atalanta?
"We analysed the positive aspects and also the situations that prevented us from winning. Why didn't we win? We couldn't score one more goal even though we had the chances."
Champions League spot?
"Allegri is good at these things and he said we need 70 points. The road is still long."
Are you studying Slavia Prague?
"Yes, but we're only thinking about Lazio. There's no need to rest anyone ahead of Thursday; there's still time. We've recovered many players. Soon there will be a lot of matches, and we need everyone."
You're often criticized on social media even when playing well... Pioli replied:
"I'm not on social media. Criticisms exist and will always exist. We still have important objectives; I'm focused on those. I'm happy and proud to coach here; I think we're doing a very good job."
Who do you compare this year's Inter to?
"Napoli last year had incredible stats, and Inter is doing the same. They've only lost once; they're having an outstanding season."
Is there a refereeing problem for Milan?
"No. The referees are trying to do their best; there's no bias against us. In some incidents, there's luck; in others, there isn't."
Do you need to perform better away? Pioli said:
"Yes, we need to improve our away record. We always try to dictate the game, and we'll have to do it tomorrow against a quality opponent. It will require attention and consistency."
Spalletti praised you...
"I've always agreed with him (smiles). It's always nice to receive compliments from other coaches. We spoke a couple of weeks ago to know about the training schedule, but he couldn't make it. He's a colleague who rightfully coaches the National Team."
Is Alessandro Florenzi putting pressure on you?
"Calabria is doing well. Florenzi's performances are important. Whoever plays will do well, and those who don't will be ready to come in."
How is Tijjani Reijnders?
"He's a great player to me. Against Atalanta, I chose Adli for the positions he takes defensively. Yesterday Reijnders didn't train due to the birth of his child. I wish him congratulations."
Has Leao grown a lot off the pitch?
"His growth within the team and in his work is exponential. Players aged 18-19 are asked for many things, and you have to mature quickly, but then everyone has their own path."
Did you remind the team of last year's 4-0?
"There's no need to remind them; those are things that stay within."
Will Fikayo Tomori be called up for tomorrow's match?
"Yes."
Fans complain about the gaps in midfield...
"We attack and defend together. 5-0-5? If it becomes a 7-0-3 or a 5-0-5, it's still wrong, which means I don't know how to coach."
What game will it be tomorrow?
"Both teams will try to play with different principles. We have the quality to make them run and try to create numerical superiority in certain areas of the field."
Who will mark Luis Alberto tomorrow? Pioli replied:
"Against Lazio, we play against a strong and quality midfield. The duels in that area of the field will be important."
Playing well and not winning as against Atalanta. What to do?
"You have to underline the positive aspects and understand why we didn't win. By playing like this, you have more chances to win."
