AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli urged his side to show ‘great energy’ as they take on Red Bull Salzburg tonight knowing they must avoid defeat to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.
A sold out San Siro will witness arguably Milan’s most important European game in almost a decade as the Rossoneri welcome Salzburg knowing that they are in the driving seat to reach the last 16 of the UCL, but with a job still to do.
Salzburg will certainly be fired up to arrive in Italy and cause what would be a mini-upset by winning in front of their 3,800 travelling fans, but Milan need a minimum of a point to join Napoli and Inter in the final 16.
On the eve of the game against the Austrian champions Pioli spoke to Amazon Prime Video and the interview was released this morning, with the comments from the head coach relayed by MilanNews.
On the occasion: “Milan must play well, as a team and with great energy. They cannot think of starting the game by managing the result because this is not part of our ways. We are aware of the importance of the match.”
On signing his renewal: “Here I have always felt appreciated, respected and supported. This allows me to give my best and my all, and that’s what I hoped for. The club once again proved ready, attentive and we are very happy about a journey that has begun but still sees us full of challenges and ambitions.
“My dream has already come true because I coach a top club, I have fantastic players with spectacular fans. This is our reality, we have built it and we are cultivating it to try to continue growing.”
On following Ancelotti’s path: “For me Ancelotti and Guardiola are the two best coaches in the world. Ancelotti made history at Milan, they were certainly different eras. I don’t know him personally, but I think he has a superior intelligence and a unique ability to enter the club. head and heart of the players. He is certainly a great coach.”
