On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Udinese, Marco Giampaolo spoke about his side and the season that lies ahead. As collected by MilanNews.it, down below are some of the quotes.
On the friendlies: “We faced teams that played with different systems, that came to take us in different ways. They were six different and useful games, it’s all part of the learning process. The players follow me and we can’t do anything but improve.”
On Bennacer and Calhanoglu: “Those who are better on the physical level and on the collective knowledge will play. Maybe a few strong players will be on the bench. but I don’t know them properly yet.”
On the game: “Tomorrow, Milan must be competitive. The games are also played on the desire to win and it goes beyond the technical and tactical aspects, tomorrow the team must be competitive.”
On Suso: “He has always played on the flank and in everyone’s view, he is a winger. I too had some doubts at the beginning, but the player gave me great availability. He has done great things. Strong offensive players can play anywhere.”
On Piatek: “I’m not worried, Piatek has special characteristics. Playing with another player at his side can take the attention off him. He showed a higher level of fatigue than the others.”
On Champions League: “There are many teams in the race, including Milan. For history, Milan have to have it as a goal but there are other ones as well.”
On the injuries: “It was upsetting to lose Lucas [Biglia], he was doing very well, I like him as a man and a footballer. Then there are long-term injuries, like Caldara. I hope Theo will be able to resume soon, same for Reina. We are inserting Bonaventura slowly.”
On the penalty-taker: “It’s Piatek, there has been trouble with the penalty-takers at Milan in the past years.”
On Correa: “I don’t know who that is (joke, editor’s note).”
On Andre Silva: “He is a bit influenced by the market but he trains well. I count on him. For me, today he is a footballer of Milan. If needed he can play tomorrow. I trust his professionalism.”
On Duarte and Leao: “They have done a few workouts each, they are showing willingness and curiosity. They are trying to understand things as quick as possible.”
