Stefano Pioli’s men claimed all three points against Empoli this evening and thus maintained the pressure on Inter, who will face Torino tomorrow. The manager was rightfully pleased with the performance.
It wasn’t a spectacular game from Milan by any means, but they had a lot of control during most of the game. In the first half, they only conceded one attempt and it wasn’t even on target, which says a lot about the clash.
In an interview with Sky Italia after the game, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli shared his thoughts on the performance of the team this evening. He was also asked about the Scudetto (of course), given that they are five points clear currently.
On the win…
“We must think that the next match is the match, it must be like this until the end of the season. The next match is always the most important one and must be played to the fullest.”
On the standings…
“It’s wonderful, but it’s still virtual. It would be more convenient if all teams had played the same amount of games. Tonight was complicated, we didn’t risk much, it’s an important victory.”
On the performance…
“In the second half, we missed too many passes. Empoli played well, but we didn’t suffer that much in defence.”
On the Scudetto…
“When will I say this word? On the last matchday (smiles). Right now, I won’t sign up for anything. All the matches are difficult, it will be difficult in Cagliari too.”
On the preparation of the matches…
“I have always closely followed my boys’ warm-up. I work with them all week. Tonight I saw them ready. I’m there with them to stimulate them. I will continue to do so.”
On the second half…
“If we want to attack we have to do it all together. If we all shorten we are more ready to steal the ball and to be more dangerous.”
On game management…
“At the beginning of the second half, we lost a few too many balls, there was little movement. This didn’t allow us to keep our positions high. We didn’t dominate, but we controlled the game well. Killing games would be better, but winning games like this is very important. Now all the teams have a goal and therefore great concentration is always needed.”
On Juventus…
“They are in the race for the top spots. There are many games left. The top five will be playing for the top positions.”
On Kalulu…
“Pierre is deserving all this, he worked with availability and participation even when he was less involved. These are the greatest satisfactions for players and managers.”
Inter obviously have two games in hand as things stand, so the race is far from over, but tonight’s three points are huge for the Rossoneri. At this point of the season, only the final result matters and not how you get there.
READ MORE – Player Ratings: AC Milan 1-0 Empoli – Kalulu unstoppable; one player disappoints
