On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Lecce, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media at the usual press conference. After the success in the Champions League, the Rossoneri are looking for a good result in the league.
Given that Juventus got their points back, for the moment anyway, Milan are currently in 5th place three points behind Roma in 4th. Therefore, every game that remains will be crucial for the Rossoneri in the top-four race.
Speaking to the media at his press conference this afternoon, as cited by MilanNews, Stefano Pioli shared his thoughts on what it’s like to switch from the big stage in the Champions League to Serie A, among other things.
Important to find a different route?
“It’s not more important than anything else. We can finish well, the group is strong. Of these eight remaining games, five are at San Siro. We can finish the season well thanks to the qualities we have.”
How is the feeling for this semi-final?
“We have locked the Champions League in a vault, now it’s about the league. We have to push hard, we don’t want this position in the standings.”
An update on who’s coming back?
“Zlatan is called up. Limited contribution, but he’s fine. Giroud won’t be there as he has a problem with his calf tendon and Pobega suffered a blow today, we’ll see tomorrow.
What do you think about Juventus?
“We can stay focused on the things we can control. The sooner there is a definitive standings the better.”
There are some backups that have given little…
“If we have arrived here it is thanks to everyone, to how we work. Everyone is trying to give their best, the judgments are all partial.”
You face Lecce tomorrow…
“We overcame a very strong opponent, it was something that gave us energy and enthusiasm. The next two matches will be fundamental, and tomorrow there will be an opponent who were very difficult to face in the reverse fixture.”
Is another revolution possible?
“I observed my players a lot after a game like this, it seems to me that they’re all fit and I’ll choose the best formation tomorrow and also the changes during the match.”
What do you think about Inter?
“The Champions League will come and then we’ll face it to the fullest. I can’t comment on the situations of others, but I know ours well.”
What approach is needed tomorrow?
“Starting the game well, but it’s presumptuous to think we can end it immediately. We play a lot and Lecce too, the approach must be trustworthy.”
On the calendar? What thoughts do you have?
“That it has been and will be a very complicated season, yes, but it will be up to me to manage the players and maintain the right tension. The calendar is what it is, we will need to field the best formations to achieve all the objectives. My head is focused on tomorrow.”
Is it all in your hands?
“It’s not all in our hands, we’re fifth. We need to claim a lot of points, the calendar gives us the chance to do it. We’ll need level matches.”
An assessment of the period since the reverse fixture against Lecce?
“The team had a difficult time. We gained a wealth of important experience. It’s important to know how we managed to overcome it, and why we’ve worked so hard, we’ve been together and this experience has helped us a lot.”
Is tomorrow the most important game of the season?
“Tomorrow is very important, it’s the most important. Now it matters what we do. The Champions League is a story in itself, they will be two matches that we will experience with great emotion. There are four games to go in the league and now we need to do well.”
What do you think of Colombo’s season?
“It’s hard to take stock of a player I’ve followed from afar. Difficult to determine.”
How important is Maignan?
“All important teams have champions, and champions make the difference. Mike is a champion in everything, his importance is relevant. He’s among the most important in the team.”
Ambrosini advised you to sleep now… Are you succeeding? Will you ask Ancelotti for advice?
“I always sleep little, as a coach even less. But I think it helps me to sleep less and work more. It will be a fantastic semi-final with the two best coaches in the world. I haven’t spoken to Carlo, but I hope to do it in person.”
Calabria stopped Kvara in a great way…
“I have great respect for him as a person and as a footballer, he has incredible intelligence on the pitch.”
What are you afraid of the most with Lecce?
“Very direct team. Away they start with more speed than anyone else. We’ll have to lose few balls and do the preventives well.”
Is it better to shuffle the cards?
“It’s better to play like Milan, it doesn’t matter who takes the field…”
What happened to Rebic?
“He played less, because the focus was more on other players. He is strong, but also temperamental: he needs to play a little more, but I’m sure he’ll be ready.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 tomorrow, Sunday that is, and Milan will get good support from their fans as usual. After two consecutive draws, and especially since they should have won those, the Rossoneri are in need of a win.
Pls Milan should not sell leao instead we need more quality players in depth we are lacking and also we sell all the players that failed to improved.