AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, expressed himself to the media present at the award ceremony of the 43rd edition of the Nereo Rocco Tournament. Here are his words:
"We are trying to further improve our level and I believe that we are doing well but the difficulties in the league are evident. It's a very balanced championship between strong teams that will fight until the end and we want to stay in the group that will fight until the end."
What did you learn from the recent Milan - Napoli game?
"Many things, we certainly did a high level performance but the fact that we did not score points means that in some situations we must and can do even more."
Pioli on the Serie A campaign:
"It will be an anomalous championship this is evident and the players who will go to the World Cup must be managed well. The championship will now see us very busy and staying in the top positions will be a goal for everyone who wants to win."
The award is named after a coach who has won everything with Milan, are there the conditions for opening such a cycle with you?
"I am proud to receive this award, we have Paron at Milanello watching us and when you arrive at Milan the goal is to be competitive and win something. The goal is to keep improving, we are a young team but with an awareness that can allow us to aim for the top."
Vincenzo Italiano won the emerging technician award:
"Italiano has always done well in any situation and league and is doing very well with Fiorentina. In my opinion, it is a well-deserved recognition", Pioli said.
Besides recovering the injured players, what is the goal for you in the next two months?
"Win as many games as possible."
How can your team be more European?
"I still believe that there is not much difference between playing well in Italy and in Europe or that Serie A is not training. The Champions League requires a very high pace, but nothing impossible. If we keep to our levels, the matches with Chelsea are also within our reach."
Chelsea, then Juventus, then Chelsea again next month, are these the games to make you understand what level is your team in? Pioli said:
"I understand the expectations but the most difficult match will surely be that of Empoli: I don't want to get my hands on but I will find the players two days before the match and the match against Empoli is very delicate. Those three challenges are direct clashes but we have a high level and we are a strong team, but we must find continuity of results to compete."
