Stefano Pioli, ahead of the match against Borussia Dortmund, made these statements to SportMediaset microphones:
On the chants during training:
"It's important to prepare ourselves from an environmental perspective as well. I'll find it hard to make myself heard; they'll need to have the right mindset. We'll encounter an adrenaline-filled atmosphere, but also a stimulating one for us."
On Milan's current form, Pioli stated:
"We always think about the next game, we don't dwell on past matches. We prepare one game at a time. We want to advance from the group, it's a direct clash with Borussia."
On Borussia Dortmund:
"They are a high-level opponent that hasn't lost at home in the Champions League for two years. They have quality offensive players, they're a cohesive team. They're a Champions League-level opponent."
On the backup players, Pioli said:
"The important thing is for the team to have a mentality and a style of play. Of course, I hope to always have everyone available, but what matters is that the team acts as one. We're here to play our game."
On Christian Pulisic:
"We've talked. It will be his 50th appearance in the Champions League. We discussed his past here, he explained what we'll face, and he also gave us some useful advice."
On Rafael Leao, Pioli had this to say:
"He's in continuous growth, he's maturing. Every game for him is an opportunity to showcase his qualities."
On Borussia Dortmund's strengths:
"They'll try to start strong. They have five quality offensive players. Two teams will face off trying to challenge the opposing defenses. We'll need to be good at being united, at attacking and defending together. We'll need to be efficient and make the most of every opportunity."
