The AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken about the upcoming fixture against Slavia Prague in the Europa League first leg of the round of 16 at the San Siro.
Here are his words in a press conference:
"We came out well from the match against Lazio. It wasn't the best from a technical point of view. The team is doing well and knows that the decisive moment of the season is approaching."
Pioli on his future here if Milan wins the Europa League and on the possible effect of an Arab investor in the club:
"You managed to ask two questions that I can't answer (smiles)."
On the Europa League:
"We must think that we can win the Europa League, but then we must be good at passing this round. In Europe, every match is difficult: we face an opponent who in the group stage only lost in Rome. At this moment, we are doing well and we must exploit this. Within us, we have the awareness, motivation, and enthusiasm to go all the way."
On the Champions League and PSG:
"PSG in the quarter-finals? Unfortunately, the Champions League is no longer part of our present due to details that slipped away in decisive matches. Now we must focus on tomorrow's match and moving forward in Europe because we are Milan."
Is Milan unpredictable this year? Pioli replied:
"I don't think so at this time. The only match we've messed up and lost was the one against Monza. In the last two to three months, the performances have all been of a certain level."
What quality can take Milan all the way?
"The quality of my players, certainly. Compared to four years ago, giant steps have been taken; we are no longer that team. We must prove it."
Why is Milan's season one to forget without winning this cup?
"Judgments should be made at the end of the season; everyone will make the assessments they deem most appropriate."
On Rafael Leao, Pioli said:
"We need to always emphasize the same point; he has the qualities to be decisive in every match. Even when he hasn't scored, he has always been a thorn in the side. He must continue to believe he is decisive."
On recovering all the injured players (except for Tommaso Pobega), Pioli said:
"It's good for everyone to be able to make choices because we will have 4 matches in 10 days."
Regarding Christian Pulisic:
"He doesn't need to be defended or protected; his history speaks for itself. Social media has now become an outlet for rudeness and insults: Christian is far above others."
Pioli continued:
"It's a crucial period of the season and the whole team must demonstrate that they are of a high level. The occasion is not for individual players, but for everyone. I know I'm coaching a strong group."
He added:
"Sensitivity with my players? I try to be clear, direct, and fair with them, knowing that afterwards I have to make decisions and there I always prioritize the team's welfare and my own ideas."
Could the history of Milan weigh on you tomorrow?
"The prestige doesn't step onto the field, we have to make our strength, the environment, and our qualities count."
On Slavia Prague:
"Slavia Prague? It's a very intense and direct team, playing with three offensive players close together, preferring depth and immediately attacking with physical and fast forwards. They have good squad quality, and their coach is very skilled because he changes 5-6 elements in every match and manages to maintain a high level. They require a lot of respect and concentration."
