AC Milan Coach Stefano Pioli spoke to the media today in view of tomorrow, valid for the second leg of the semi-final of Coppa Italia.
Here are his statements:
"We focus everything on team play, the more united you are, the more you have the chance to win games. Yesterday was a nice lunch all together, even with the families. It was a positive day, even if what counts is the tomorrow's match."
On how the team is doing:
"Calabria and Romagnoli? We will see today. Calabria yesterday had some difficulties, but today he should train. Romagnoli has not trained with the team yet, today we will see. Gabbia has had only some fatigue: he is fine."
On feeling the pressure, Pioli said:
"We have to win all the games if we want to fight until the end. I see a team that is very focused and very motivated."
Could tomorrow's game affect today's match?
"No, not for me. Regardless of tomorrow's result, which is still important since it could lead you to the final, the championship path is another thing. Regardless of how it goes, in the championship we will have to try to win all the battles until the end."
On the possible change of ownership:
"We haven't talked about it. The club is always close to us, it always supports us. Milan's present is solid, the future could be even better."
On past experiences against Inter:
"All past experiences have allowed us to become a better team. Against Inter, they were all difficult games. Tomorrow, the details shall make the difference", declared Pioli.
What match will it be tomorrow?
"We will have to read it carefully, there will be moments in which to accelerate and others in which to slow down. Inter, in the open field, can be dangerous. We will have to manage the ball in the best possible way."
On the team's atmosphere:
"The flame is lit, but it is under control; I see the players very focused, attentive and motivated in confirming what positive we are doing."
The second leg is being played 2 months after the first...
"There is no point in thinking about it. We had one of the best derbies in the first leg. but tomorrow, things will be different."
How is Ante Rebic doing?
"Every player must think he can be decisive in this season finale. Rebic has the qualities to be decisive and he is fine. He and other players can be decisive."
Are Inter your reference points?
"The reference point must be ourselves", said Pioli, "We must do better than last year. If we reach the final it would already mean that we have done better. We must overcome ourselves."
On not conceding goals for many matches now:
"Not conceding a goal is important. It surprises me a little because we are a team that has an offensive game that sometimes risks a little. We have to continue with this attitude, especially tomorrow night we will need great concentration and attention."
Will you rely on the away goal rule?
"Our attitude and our way of playing against Inter have always been pretty similar. Inter are difficult to face, they have positions that will force us to run a lot. We have our strategy, we need quality with and without the ball."
Pioli on who should play as the attacking midfielder:
"Against Inter, it is important to shield Brozovic, which is why it is more likely that one between Krunic and Kessie will play rather than Diaz."
Is Theo Hernandez attacking differently:
"Isolating Leao is a weapon to our advantage. Theo can play both inside and wide, he has to be more careful and lose fewer balls when he gets the ball into the field."
What would you say to Pioli of two years ago when the derby was sold out?
"What we have done so far doesn't count. Only what we do tomorrow and this championship final counts."
Do you need to fill the pitch better?
"Against Genoa, we did better. But, the fundamental thing is not only how many players are in the box, but also the speed of the plays. If we are slow, everything becomes more complicated. The faster you are, the more unpredictable you are."
On Rade Krunic:
"Rade Krunic being flexible? It's great luck. Besides Rade, I have many intelligent players. If one is always careful in training, he knows what to do in all roles. Krunic is very useful, even tomorrow."
On the possibility of seeing Alexis Saelemaekers as right-back tomorrow:
"Saelemaekers has played as a full-back in the past, but never with us. I don't think so from the start, but during the game, it could be an idea."
Pioli on if the team should be unpredictable or solid?
"Both."
