AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed his desire to bring in another centre-back before the transfer window closes.
Milan started their league season in the best way possible with a win against Bologna on Monday night. Ibrahimovic rolled back the years scoring a brace with a goal either side of half-time in a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Nonetheless, attention now turns back to the transfer market and the reinforcements the Rossoneri might be able to welcome before the window shuts, with Paolo Maldini confirming a centre-back is a priority.
Stefano Pioli spoke to Sky Italia after the win against Bologna about the performance and about the team’s needs in the mercato, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews.
“We approached the game in a positive way, creating chances and suffering little. We need to improve in some things,” he said.
“When the team works, the individuals are exalted. We have important individuals, not just Zlatan, but it is clear that he is a champion. The team knows how to sacrifice itself and knows how to grow over the course of the match.”
On the targets for the season, he added: “We have to be ambitious, keep working well and growing. Sixth place is not a suitable goal for this team and we need to improve our position.
“It’s a technical team with great champions, similar to my first year at Lazio. They are a very young team and we have great room for improvement over the course of the match. Growth is important and this must make us work seriously.”
Finally, Pioli discussed the transfer market and confirmed his desire for a centre-back to arrive.
“The thing that matters to me is that we have a lot of absences in defence and we are stretched. Regardless of the age of the player, Milan must sign quality players.
“I hope that between now and October 4 we will be able to play all the matches scheduled and the club will intervene if the opportunity arises.”