AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has spoken about some of the choices he will have to make in midfield for the Borussia Dortmund game, as well as the atmosphere the team will face.
For most of the Milan squad it will be their first time playing at the Signal Iduna Park, known for its Yellow Wall and packing in over 80,000 fans who create incredible noise, and the signs from training today suggested Pioli wants to get his troops ready for what they will face.
As the squad began their session at Milanello today, there was something different coming through the loudspeakers, namely the chants of the Borussia Dortmund fans to try and help the players get used to what will be a red hot atmosphere.
Pioli spoke alongside defender Malick Thiaw at the pre-match press conference held at Dortmund’s stadium on the eve of the game, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
This morning at Milanello some Borussia Dortmund chants were heard over the PA system…
“The idea was born after watching Borussia’s matches at home, it was born thinking about the atmosphere we will find to get used to, preparing the match both from a tactical and environmental point of view, given that they probably won’t even hear my voice. They will be prepared in detail for tomorrow evening.”
Would a draw be a positive result?
“We always go on the pitch to give our best and win the match. It’s an important match, but then there will be four other matches.
“After not winning the first match, tomorrow will be an important match. They haven’t lost at home in the Champions League since November 2021. We have great confidence and will give our best.”
Where will Reijnders play tomorrow?
“It depends on the type of midfielder I want to use: if I’m looking for a midfielder who fits in then Musah could play in front of the defence, otherwise Reijnders will play.”
What do you expect from Borussia Dortmund tomorrow?
“They play attacking football. They always play with five attacking players. They can concede something, but it will depend on us. We will need to be compact and intelligent, as well as making the right choices. It is important to come from three victories, but now it is only important tomorrow.”
Will Adli start on the bench?
“Who told you that? I have four midfielders, three will start and one will then be able to come on from the bench.”
Leao is very smiley…
“Leao is always like this, but most of my players are like this. Absolute professionalism, but there is the right serenity.”
There are several players who have European experience now…
“Tomorrow we will find an atmosphere similar to that of Liverpool, but we have grown over the years. We will have to take energy from this situation.”
Will Pulisic play tomorrow?
“Tomorrow he will play his 50th match in the Champions League: he is experienced, strong, he will give his all to help us.”
How is Theo?
“He’s doing well. We talked about the position he will have to have tomorrow in the possession phase. He will have to be good at exploiting spaces.”
Will adli start from bench tomorrow? Who told u that!
…..well, Mr. Pioli and a hardcore fan of My Milan from Nigeria. I wouldn’t hesitate to smash ur bald head if u let us loose tomorrow because of ur foolish tactical details best known to u. SempreMilan
Calabria at DM makes most sense to me.
He has done well there before, he as also been playing inverted this season, so knows how to operate there.
Adli is not ready for a game of this magnitude and Pobega doesn’t have the quality, tho he may be a useful sub.
If we start Calabria, Musah and Reijnders we still have the option of Pobega or less likely Adli off the bench. CL games are intense so its important to have fresh legs to bring on
Its going to be very tough without RLC and Krunic. Thats on management for not bringing in a DM