AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has spoken about the decision to play Theo Hernandez as a centre-back again, while he stressed the importance of registering a win.
Milan are looking to make it three wins in a row in the league after recent successes against Fiorentina and Frosinone, which have helped to dampen some of the speculation about Pioli’s job.
Tonight it is the battle of two teams who are experiencing crises at the centre-back position, with Theo once again partnering Fikayo Tomori in the heart of the defence due to the absence of other options.
Pioli spoke to DAZN before the game about the dangers of facing a fired-up opponent and the decision to play Theo at centre-back, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
You face a tired team, as Gasperini defined it after Torino, but one that wants to demonstrate that this is not the real Atalanta. Today the main danger is La Dea’s desire to react?
“Atalanta will certainly want to try to recover after a defeat, but it is equally true that in terms of motivation we are in the same position. It will be a match to be played with attention and determination from start to finish.”
You will use Theo centrally again…
“Our idea is always to try to exploit the characteristics of our players. It is clear that today Theo will play the defensive game in a more central space, but it is equally true that when he has the space, if there are opportunities to insert himself and create numerical superiority, he is one of those players who can do it with strength and quality.”
How important would it be to win today?
“It’s worth a lot to us. We know that the games are all worth three points, but for us today it is an important burden. It’s been a long time since we won two in a row. The opponent is of a high level, we must put in the best possible performance.”
It doesn’t work, Theo forgets he is a centre back and still goes to opposition box
Leaves a lot of space for Atalanta to run into