AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli says that the team are eager to show that the defeat against Chelsea last Wednesday was a mere ‘blip’ and not the norm.
The game at Stamford Bridge saw Milan give an account of themselves that was far from a true performance as they were outclassed in virtually every department, although a number of injury problems certainly did not help as Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners.
The beauty of the Champions League is that a chance to put things right against the same opponent is never far away, and tomorrow in front of around 75,000 fans at a packed San Siro there will be another chance for the Rossoneri to take a step towards the knockout stages.
Pioli’s press conference took place today on the eve of the game against Chelsea, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
Is there a ‘San Siro factor’?
“It’s fantastic to play in front of our fans. They give us great support. They are one more weapon for us.”
How much desire for revenge is there after the first leg?
“We have to show that that was just a blip and not the norm. We were very disappointed with the performance in London. We have to learn from our mistakes and make less.”
How is De Ketelaere?
“He had a strain and certainly will not be there tomorrow. It is unlikely that he will be there on Sunday. Messias returns who will be called up.”
How’s the team doing?
“Milan must not live between doubts and worries, but must play at their level. We need a high-level match against a strong team. We must not be worried, tomorrow is another match and we must try to play at our level.”
Who among the opponents in the group worries you the most?
“It’s a balanced table. We don’t have to look at it, but just think about getting results tomorrow. We don’t have to waste energy, tomorrow we will need a lot.”
How important is tomorrow’s game?
“Tomorrow’s game is worth a lot for the value of the opponent and for our growth path.”
You have been with Milan for three years, did you expect to be at this point? What kind of a journey was it?
“It is a path in which I have concentrated day after day. To work well on the present to better face the future. My goal in these three years has been to improve every day together with the club and the players.”
How do you prepare for tomorrow’s game in such a short time?
“It’s quite simple, I had the London match to examine and I did it yesterday morning: based on the positions in London we evaluated if there was actually something to change. Is there something to change? Ehhh… (laughs).”
How is Dest growing? Could his path be similar to Dalot’s?
“I don’t know if it’s comparable, but I think it’s a necessary path. He comes from a different game than ours, it takes some time to adapt, but I really believe in his qualities. Soon his time will also come.”
Will we see a more wait-and-see Milan tomorrow?
“We could, but it doesn’t have ot be. It depends on the evaluations we made of previous matches. I have my ideas, tomorrow we will field something different.”
