Stefano Pioli, Milan's coach, spoke to the media in the post-match press conference at the San Siro after the narrow 1-0 victory against Empoli:
"A victory that greatly benefits our position in the standings, as there are other direct clashes. The Champions League is not yet secured, but this is an important step forward. It was a difficult match, but we managed it well."
Pulisic performed very well...
"The key was to involve him in a certain type of work, he is very cooperative and needs to be managed. His choices on the field are always perfect."
How do you approach the match against Slavia?
"I had planned the substitutions at the 60th minute because Kalulu had to play. I have in mind the lineup for Prague with one doubt: we want to qualify, it will be a tough match and needs good preparation."
Do you need to find more sparkle?
"We had it in the first half, then it's not easy. We could have anticipated the defenders on three very good crosses by Pulisic. Then in the second half, we were less sparkling, but I think it was also right to manage it that way."
How did you see Tijjani Reijnders, Ismael Bennacer, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek together?
"We built with two midfielders, maintaining good positions. Reijnders could have moved a bit more to the left, then I substituted him because I'm now afraid of bookings."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paolo Scaroni's positive words about Pioli:
"The club has always put me in a position to do well, I have always felt trust and support: we are always focused on what we have to do."
Is Matteo Gabbia still a starter?
"Everyone feels like a starter. Gabbia suffered fatigue in both calves on Thursday."
Is Luka Jovic better with another striker next to him? Pioli answered:
"Maybe Luka needs closer support, but Okafor did well. Then with the team so low, it's difficult to create situations, maybe we could have anticipated some movements a bit more."
A comment on Chrisitan Pulisic?
"At first, he was convinced that he would perform better on the left, but perhaps there he always wants the ball at his feet. Instead, on the right, he often goes deep, and I like that."
READ MORE | Okafor: "I’m happy for the assist. I can’t wait to take the field on Thursday"
