On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Fiorentina, Stefano Pioli spoke at the usual press conference about the Rossoneri’s situation. Following the win at Lazio, they are once again in charge of the Scudetto race.
Indeed, the pressure is on Pioli’s men to claim all three points at what will be a sold-out San Siro tomorrow, taking on Fiorentina. The latter are coming from two heavy defeats and there is no doubt that Milan are the favourites.
As said, the manager spoke at the usual press conference this afternoon (via MilanNews) and shared his thoughts on what will be a crucial game for the Rossoneri. He also
On Maldini’s words…
“We are proud to have such high-level directors.”
On the situation…
“We have always thought that the best thing is to concentrate on the next match. I saw attention, determination, generosity: we will need this again on the pitch tomorrow.”
At the end of the season, more mentality than quality?
“I think everything counts. Then it should be said that the games are often decided by episodes and you have to have something extra, which is technique, intuition, ferocity. That’s what we want to do now. It’s wrong to think about the next four, we have to think about tomorrow.”
On the moment and the Scudetto chances…
“I think having a warm heart and a cold head is always the best feature. We will play a football that requires energy, effort and intensity, but we must be lucid to understand the moments of the match. Against Lazio we deserved the victory because we believed in it, we must do the same tomorrow.”
What emotions are you experiencing in this season finale?
“The emotions at this moment are great concentration and a great desire to do our job well to the end. Nobody is thinking about May 22nd, we are thinking about tomorrow. The predictions change from week to week, what matters is to give our best tomorrow against a team that plays good football.”
On the football of Fiorentina…
“Difficult to make predictions. When a team wants to take you high, leaving some space behind, we will have to be good at choosing the right times. Staying inside the game means interpreting quickly and with quality the various game situations.”
Do you think Milan have been underestimated this season?
“I don’t care that much if we are appreciated outside, I care what we think. We also have limits that we try to cover and enhance our qualities. What matters is maximum concentration to better prepare for tomorrow’s match.”
On the period of form…
“We have to start again from the two goals scored. Looking at those two goals scored, there are a lot of our characteristics, from Leao’s run to Giroud’s determination, to the pressure of Rebic and Zlatan, to the toe of Tonali at the last second.
“If we are intense and we all work to be proactive, we have more chances of winning, we have to do it continuously during the match. Fiorentina is a high-level team, so our level will also have to be high. Bologna and Torino are strong teams, others have had difficulties just like us. What matters will be the final score, we have to think about getting as many points as possible.”
On the difficulties of facing Italiano…
“Last year, vs. Spezia, was our worst performance in the league. During the week, I reviewed the first leg against Fiorentina, we made many individual mistakes. Italiano is doing a great job, we will have to make the right plays to put Fiorentina in difficulty.”
On the injury situation…
“The players that won’t be called up are Kjaer, Florenzi who is recovering well, and Daniel Maldini who is tired. All the others can be called up.”
On the mood of the fans…
“Our fans are intelligent, it’s not the time to talk but to do.”
On Bennacer…
“He had a problem with his ankle, he’s been training with the team since yesterday and he’s fine. He’s certainly not underestimated by me, my managers and teammates. He knows how to interpret the two phases well, he’s a complete midfielder.”
On the difficulties faced…
“The challenges you have overcome in the past must give you more conviction. We have had hard obstacles and we have overcome them with our football made of emotion and passion. We must continue on this path.”
What did you say to the team on Thursday morning?
“Thursday morning was the only day I didn’t speak to the team.”
On the early goals conceded vs. Inter and Lazio…
“it’s something we have to think well about and we tried to work on a mental level. Against Lazio, we were good at recovering. We don’t have to think about ending the game, but we must have balance and then stay in the game.”
Did Ibra say anything on Thursday?
“Zlatan talks every day with his teammates, Thursday I don’t think he said anything special. Thursday was the least suitable day to say something.”
Is tomorrow essential?
“Yes, but I believed the same thing before Lazio. Tomorrow will be fundamental, but I will say the same thing before Verona. I don’t like to say that they are all finals, we have always thought about one match at a time.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 CEST tomorrow and as already mentioned, San Siro is sold out. It should thus be a great atmosphere at the game and we can only hope that this will boost Milan and lead them to three new points.
Is Daniel Maldini playing with the Primevera?? Or is he playing some street football that we don’t know about???
Can someone please explain why Daniel Maldini is tired 😅🤣🤣
Tired on the bench😂