On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Fiorentina, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media at his usual pre-match press conference. He stressed that it’s a crucial game for the Rossoneri, currently eight points behind Napoli.
The 0-0 draw against Cremonese certainly was disappointing and Milan will have to do a lot better in attack this time out. Fortunately, the likes of Theo Hernandez and Olivier Giroud are back from suspension and will play from start.
Speaking at the presser, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli spoke about the current mood and what Milan must do to come away with all three points tomorrow. He also highlighted that they aren’t bothered by the negativity of the tabloids.
On Gazidis’ exit and Furlani…
“I can only wish Ivan the best things for his private and professional life, we were pleased that he came to say goodbye yesterday. We know Giorgio, he will give continuity to the club’s path.”
What would it mean to win tomorrow?
“It would mean demonstrating that we don’t give up or surrender to a situation in the standings that we don’t like. We have to demonstrate that we are aware that the season is still long, playing a game at our level. It’s such an anomalous calendar that there are still 24 games left. 2022 has been very good for us, but we mustn’t stop.”
Is it easy for youngsters to integrate into a group that plays every three days, without full weeks of training?
“I believe that my way of thinking has been positive and constructive towards my players. We are not so interested in the defeatism or negativity that exists outside. We are used to a rule here: lending a hand and asking for help means joining our forces and exploiting all our strengths together.”
What have you told the players these days?
“I agree with Kjaer, the mental aspect makes the difference, but also the technical-tactical one. I think my team now has enough knowledge to recognise every episode that can be improved. We got the timing completely wrong against Cremonese. Playing so often, you prepare less for certain situations, but you need to have the ability to recognise the moments.”
What are your thoughts on this Fiorentina?
“I have great respect for Fiorentina but we have to stay focused on our performance. We know what Fiorentina will do. We can determine our performance and when we succeed, most of the time, we bring home a positive result.”
Is the upcoming World Cup a distraction for the players?
“I think the right word is professionalism, seriousness, and reliability. I have great faith in my players. It goes without saying that it’s an anomalous thing for everyone, but we have the opportunity to demonstrate once again who we are.”
Do you feel anti-Napoli?
“It would be wrong for us to think about our opponents, we have to think about claiming lots of points. We have no one to chase, we have to express ourselves at our best.”
What has happened to Leao in this last period?
“It applies to all players, in the sense that it’s not so easy to keep the level high by playing so much. But a player with his potential must succeed.”
With Kjaer, Milan almost never concedes a goal…
“When the numbers are clear, they are never a coincidence. Simon is a leader. There’s one very important aspect, which is that he speaks well on the pitch. He knows how to get his teammates into the right positions. He’s a player who gives us a lot in this aspect.”
Did Furlani talk to the team?
“Yes, I spoke to him. He hasn’t come to Milanello yet but I think he will soon.”
How is Maignan?
“He’s definitely better but he’s not ready to play tomorrow. Recovery will come later.”
How do you deal with the criticisms that come from outside?
“The criticisms must give us even more conviction. But the criticisms for Wednesday’s performance are okay. If we think about the match against Cremonese, we’re talking about the development of ball handling that we lacked, we have to do better.”
What does the World Cup mean for De Ketelaere?
“It’s difficult to make predictions. I think the World Cup for every player is the best, a stimulating, motivating, and rewarding situation. I hope he does very well and returns with great positivity, motivation and optimism because that’s the way it has to be.”
On rotation, if you could go back in time would you redo all the choices you made?
“It’s too simple to think like this. When I made the choices I thought they were the best possible, if I went back to that moment I’d make the same choices again. It’s never a single player that determines the team’s result. If we missed out it’s because we missed out everyone, myself included.”
How do you rate Thiaw’s performance?
“He has played many times in three-man backlines. It was a simple game for defenders in the defensive phase, we could have done better in the build-up phase, but I think he performed as he had to do.”
On Tatarusanu…
“If I haven’t changed him, it’s because I was satisfied with his performances, they’ve been growing. He hadn’t played for a long time, he’s grown in his presence and in the way he starts the plays.”
Will Ibrahimovic come to the training camp in Dubai with you?
“The plan is for him to come with us to Dubai, but it’s too early to say when he will be available to play. Workloads will increase from Dubai onwards: the program will develop day by day.”
How is Vranckx working?
“I’m very happy with how he’s working. He’s made good use of this period of adaptation in which he’s played little and trained well, I’m sure he’ll also need the break. I’m sure of his qualities but I have many choices to make, I can’t let everyone play. I’m satisfied with his qualities, his attitude and his mentality.”
The game is scheduled for 18:00 CET and the stadium is completely sold out, meaning there will be over 73k fans present to watch the game. Milan will certainly have the support of their fans, in other words.
