On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Roma, Stefani Pioli spoke to the media at Milanello (via MilanNews.it). The Rossoneri are in desperate need of three points after only managing a draw against Lecce.
“We need to get to know each other well, I saw the right desire, it was a good week of training. We have to transfer all the work we have done to the pitch for this important game.
“The work was done with determination, we prepared well. Tomorrow, we will face a team that have lost just one game, so they strong. I expect a very determined Roma.”
The manager also spoke about Suso, which received heavy criticism on social media after the clash against Lecce. In fact, many of the Rossoneri fans started the hashtag #SusoOut, which even trended in Italy.
“We don’t take part in social media, we are a united group, we work to achieve important results, to be a team. When you attack a player, you attack me and above all Milan. We must be as positive as possible without hysteria.
“If Suso will play tomorrow? I will field the best possible team, you will read later about the starting eleven.”
In the next five games, Milan will face Roma, Lazio, Juventus and Napoli. However, Pioli stated that he isn’t worried about the schedule, as he’s only focused on the next game.
“In every game, we have to show how our worth. The schedule doesn’t worry me, we are thinking only about tomorrow’s game. We must remain determined for the full 90 minutes. We have the quality to do well.
“Improvements? The fact that we didn’t win against Lecce makes us understand that there are still so many things to improve.”
Since the Lecce game, there has been a lot of talk about Pioli’s attack, mainly Leao vs. Piatek. In the second half, the Polish striker came on and got on the scoresheet, which has intensified the battle even more. The manager had his aay on the matter.
“Leao and Piatek have different characteristics, each time I can choose to exploit them. They can also play together, we just have to find the right balance. Those on the bench are just as important as those who start.
“Calhanoglu? He’s a player of great quality. I didn’t just like his goal, but also that he has interpretation of great intensity. Rebic? He’s a player who can do better. I expect a more contribution from him,” he concluded.
READ MORE: AC Milan’s probable XI for Roma clash – Leao ahead of Piatek
