AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the media in a press conference today and offered these statements:
On Sunday, there's Inter-Juventus...
"True, but tomorrow there's Frosinone-Milan, and we need to focus only on this match. They play well; it will require a quality performance to get back to winning ways."
How is Ismael Bennacer?
"We all know his qualities; he can give us a lot. He had a slight injury during the Africa Cup of Nations, returned to the group yesterday, may not have significant playing time, but he is well and available."
Do the rumors about Conte and the coaching position for the next season bother you? Pioli replied:
"It doesn't bother me; perhaps it annoys me a bit, but that's how football works today. What matters is that the players and I want to do our best until the end of the season; the rest doesn't interest me."
How did the analysis of the game go?
"We can do better, especially in defending certain situations."
Who will take penalties?
"I've decided; I will communicate it to the team tomorrow."
The defender didn't arrive in the winter transfer session - Pioli replied:
"The opportunities that arose did not meet our needs and my requirements. We wanted a player who was already ready. It wasn't a lack of willingness."
On Marco Pellegrino's departure:
"He needs to play, and I believe that with us at this moment, he would struggle."
What do you think of Fabio Capello and Ariedo Braida's comments?
"We can't go too far back. Calhanoglu hasn't played here for years, and we still won the championship. We're in a positive moment, even though a draw is now a half-defeat. We've scored more and conceded fewer goals so far. This doesn't mean we're doing everything right. We want to do better in the second half of the season. In the end, everyone will make their own evaluations."
Are the defensive problems about personnel or the system?
"It's not a personnel issue. It's a matter of intensity, concentration, and attention. We have players with different characteristics than last year. We have more possession, more chances, but despite that, we've conceded fewer goals than last year at this point. We need to try to score one more goal than the others."
Do you believe in the objectives? Pioli replied:
"I believe a lot in my players, and the discussions I've had with them this week convince me more and more that I have a strong group. Betting, however, is something we can't do."
What kind of defender were you looking for?
"I needed a ready player who knew the league; then we'll think about next summer. Lenglet, Brassier? We evaluated all the opportunities and didn't find them up to what we needed, so we're focusing on (Jan-Carlo) Simic."
No reinforcements even in midfield...
"With Ismael Bennacer's early return, we will trust (Kevin) Zeroli, who will become the sixth midfielder instead of (Tommaso) Pobega."
What is the goal? Pioli answered:
"It's right to have the goal of winning every game from now until the end."
Frosinone and the differences from the first leg?
"A clear victory in the result, but it wasn't that simple. They play offensive and aggressive football. Especially at home, they raise the level of intensity. There will be difficulties, but we will have the chances to face them well."
Are you still convinced that this style of play has more benefits than risks?
"We need to play to control the game."
Do the many criticisms bother you?
"Inter and Juve are on a better path than us, that's evident. I'm bothered by not winning on Sunday due to a collective error, not an individual one. It's right to have high expectations. We know our qualities, and when we can't express ourselves at our best, we have to work harder."
Pioli continued:
"We prefer to run forward. If we can interrupt the opponent's low play, there are more chances to prevent their attacks while gaining confidence and enthusiasm. You're talking a lot about tactics; I talk more about mentality than strategy. Look again at the penalty we conceded against Bologna, with the entire team below the ball; just communicate and position better. On Orsolini's cross, there were six of us against their three: we need to do better in those situations. If we can run forward, we will; if we have to defend a bit deeper, we will. Then, if we win, it's said that we play well; if we don't win..."
What does this team need to consistently be among the top in Europe?
"This year lacked a bit of effectiveness and luck. In general, to always be there, you have to get used to it."
What's the difference between Ismael Bennacer and Yacine Adli?
"Bennacer is better in one-on-one situations in both phases. Adli is growing a lot. They can play together."
What needs to be done to avoid quick counterattacks from Frosinone tomorrow?
"We need to be good at regrouping or being immediately aggressive. In Bologna's first goal, we made a mistake; tomorrow we need to do better."
Does the team not sense the danger? Pioli answered:
"At certain moments, we need to be more alert."
