AC Milan welcome Spurs to the San Siro for a rematch of the 2010-11 Champions League last 16 stage, and Stefano Pioli believes the team are well equipped.
Milan come into the game having halted their seven-match winless run with a 1-0 victory against Torino on Friday night in what was far from a vintage performance but produces a result that was absolutely necessary.
Pioli spoke to Milan TV on the eve of the game to preview what should be a fascinating tie with MilanNews relaying his comments.
“Playing in the Champions League gives a lot of energy, it gives a lot of motivation and a great desire to play this match. It’s a very important round, it’s a round that will be decided over two games, but we know that starting the first one well would be a big step forward,” he said.
“It is inevitable that we have suffered a lot from the negative results, the victory against Torino has lifted our morale. Beyond the victory against Torino, when the Champions League arrives, it’s the Champions League.
“It doesn’t matter how you get there, who gets there feeling better, who gets there worse. If we stay at these levels it means that we are strong and Tottenham are strong, so we have to try to do better starting tomorrow night.”
How will you face Tottenham? “First of all I hope to change the results compared to previous experiences with English teams. We will find intensity, rhythm, physicality, therefore many duels, including physical ones.
“It is Conte’s team, therefore probably more attentive in the defensive phase, more compact, more attentive to details and particulars. A very strong team coached by a great coach.”
On the group: “Now the boys, especially in negative moments and among a thousand voices throw away like this, continue to show great compactness, great union, great desire to be together.
“I have always been proud to coach this group and I am even more so now experiencing delicate and difficult moments with them, but where everyone has rowed absolutely on the same side, trying to overcome a difficult moment, trying to help us, trying to solve problems, absolutely without looking for the culprits.”
The Boss and @Kalulujr_ have their say on the eve of the big game against Spurs 🎙
Le parole di Mister Pioli e Pierre alla vigilia di #ACMTOT 🎙#UCL #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/HtLarbmOcq
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 13, 2023
