Pioli on Milan’s wastefulness, injury situation and a big opportunity vs. Lazio – full transcript

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli wants his side to put a wasteful performance against SPAL in the rear view mirror against Lazio on Saturday.

The Rossoneri will be looking to put a disappointing result behind them after they drew 2-2 with relegation-battling SPAL in Ferrara having trailed 2-0 at half-time and having played over half of the game with a man advantage.

There were positives to be taken from the battling spirit that Pioli’s men showed, but it is definitely a game viewed as two points dropped especially given how Roma and Napoli also both lost.

Pioli spoke to reporters ahead of Saturday’s trip to the capital to face Lazio, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.

“To me, the only data that interests us are the opportunities created and the shots made, in addition of course to what we give to the opponents,” Pioli said.

“We always want to command the game. In Ferrara we had to score more goals, we have to improve on this. The next games are difficult, it will be more difficult to create opportunities, so it will be necessary to be more decisive.

“In Italy there are no easy games, nobody enters the field without determination and desire to make a result. We must always play the games with great desire.

“There are still many games in a few days, each game will be worth a lot. We need conviction and awareness in our means.”

Does Kjaer give the defence more peace of mind?

“Kjaer and Romagnoli are a very intelligent pairing who know how to communicate well. We did well with them, but a lot also depends on what is done later in the defensive phase.”

Tomorrow is a great chance against Lazio, who have many absences?

“Lazio are strong, they come from two important comebacks. Immobile and Caicedo will miss out, but there will be Correa. It will be a very complex game also from a tactical point of view.”

What do you think of the next three games?

“We only think of doing well tomorrow night, then we will think of the others. We must do the best we can. The ranking is short in front of us, but also behind. We must not lose mental energy.”

How’s Ibrahimovic doing?

“Maybe he doesn’t know how many minutes he has in his legs. His condition will improve playing, he did a good training session yesterday. I hope to play him a few more minutes against Lazio.”

What are the differences from the first game against Lazio?

“We are a different team, many things have changed. We will have to be compact, lucid and understand the moments of the game. Lazio are a complete team, the championship is being played. They are strong, but we also have confidence in our means.”

On the current injury situation, including Mateo Musacchio, Leo Duarte and Samu Castillejo…

“Having some difficulties in this period will be quite normal, tonight’s training will be important and then I will decide who to start from the beginning.”

Could this be the big chance for Leao?

“All games must be for every Milan player. Leao is doing well, he prefers to play more out of the area, more open, we will see what choice to make tomorrow.”

Will Paquetà still be a starter tomorrow?

“All the choices I make will not be conditioned only by previous performances, but also because in every game you will need a fresh team.”

 

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