Ahead of the game opposing AC Milan to Manchester United in the Europa League round of 16's first leg tomorrow night, the Rossoneri's head coach Stefano Pioli has spoken about the clash in the press conference earlier today. Here are his statements:
On what the latest victory can give him for tomorrow's match:
"It has to give us more certainty. When we play intensely we are a good team. We are prepared to play a great match tomorrow night as well".
On whether has he found greater security in defense:
"You have to be a team in both phases. If we are more compact and shorter, we can do better in both the defensive and the offensive phases".
On United's performance against City:
"I was very impressed, United have deservedly won against a fantastic team that haven't lost in 20-21 games. We studied that game".
On Dalot?
"We are very happy with his growth. Future? It's early, we are focused only on the next matches. Then it's not up to me to talk about these things".
On whether is it an early final:
"I don't think so, there are many strong teams still in the running. It is a prestigious match between two historic clubs with a great past. Now we are working to get back to winning and make our dreams come true".
On how important will Donnarumma be tomorrow:
"Gigio is decisive for us both in the defensive phase and in the setting. His performance will be very important for us tomorrow".
On whether a tie would be a good result for him:
"Some games just have to be played to the fullest and with great conviction, as well as with great respect for a team that has dropped out of the Champions League. A positive result tomorrow evening would give us an important momentum in view of the return leg".
On how long will it take to see Milan like the one that beat Manchester in 2007:
"We are working to get back to winning. Maldini said the right things some time ago: it takes a couple of years of regular presence in the Champions League to grow and think about competing at certain levels and winning trophies. There is still a long way to go. that we must face with this conviction and this enthusiasm".
On whether Milan bring out the best of themselves when there are difficulties:
"We have a choice to make: either let ourselves be overwhelmed by the negative waves or ride the positive ones. And we chose to ride it, then the team will put in a good performance against a difficult opponent".
