AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has spoken about the Champions League last 16 draw against Spurs as well as where his side can continue to get better at both ends.
Milan got back on track in the league after their 2-1 defeat against Torino last Sunday by beating Spezia at San Siro on Saturday night but they made hard work of it, needing a last minute Olivier Giroud scissor kick to overcome Daniel Maldini’s equaliser.
Spezia had not only failed to get a single point away from home before the game at the weekend but they also hadn’t scored a single goal on the road, a record Milan ended, but tomorrow night they face a Cremonese side who have no wins, six draws and seven defeats to show on their return to Serie A.
Pioli spoke to the media at his pre-match press conference on the eve of the trip to Cremona, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
What kind of games will they be against Tottenham?
“They will be difficult matches against a strong team coached by a manager who knows us. It will be a great challenge that we want to play with great confidence.”
What kind of game will it be tomorrow in Cremona?
“We must not be influenced by the table. They are very motivated and very determined. We know how important it would be to arrive. I was expecting a balanced season, no one expected Napoli to score so many points. We must remain close to Napoli.”
Are you satisfied with the draw?
“Perfect teams do not exist. Our level must be very high, we must play with the conviction that we can overcome this round as well. Milan have a negative record in their history against English sides, we will try to do our best.”
How is Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
“His recovery is progressing well. We will see what happens between now and February. I hope to have the best possible team for Tottenham, but it is still too early to think about it. We remain focused on the league.”
What do you think of Conte?
“He is a great coach, who has won so much everywhere. He gives a clear identity and a great mentality to his team; Tottenham is very compact and organised with very strong individuals, like Kane, Son, Kulusevski, Perisic, with many who know Milan and Italian football. On paper I think it can be a balanced tie.”
What memories do you have of the Cremona stadium?
“I have great memories as a player because I scored my only goal in Serie A there.”
What is the difference between Italy and England?
“The level of the Premier League is very high, but now there are also three Italian clubs. We will play the first leg at home and it will be a factor, we must do well.”
How is Lazetic’s growth proceeding?
“We saw his hat-trick in the Primavera. He is ambitious. We are keeping an eye on him and the other young players.”
Is Ambrosini right about De Ketelaere? Has he lost his instinct?
“Up to a certain point, our attacking midfielders have freedom. Charles, when we have the ball, must do what he feels and collaborate with the players, then without the ball he has some points of reference to respect. This afternoon will be important to understand the conditions of the team. Then the quantity of minutes is not important, but the quality of the minutes played.”
Is it possible to coach clarity in front of goal?
“All things can be improved. If we play every ball as if it were the decisive one, we raise our level. We have to score more given how much we create.”
How do you rate Krunic’s performance?
“There is a big difference between the attacking midfielders and Krunic. Krunic is an insertion player, a working midfielder; he is intelligent and available. I have only positive judgments about Rade. It depends on the matches and what kind of midfielders I want to play.”
Who can be decisive in the round of 16 of the Champions League?
“Anyone must go on the field thinking they are decisive.”
What is lacking in order to concede less chances and fewer goals?
“We need more attention and more collaboration. We need to talk on the pitch. The goal for Spezia came through this. It is a question of communication, the details make the difference.”
Pioli. Better get your head straight. No experimentation and build a steady consistent team or Conte will whip your ass bo doubt
Love it Krunic is a “working midfielder” “available and intelligent” so spot on!