AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has stated ‘the club knows very well what to do’ regarding the end of the transfer market as he praised his side after the win over Spezia.
Pioli spoke in front of the media in his post-match press conference, with the questions and his responses transcribed by MilanNews.
What effect does it have to be first in the standings going into the derby?
“There is satisfaction, we have achieved what we had set for ourselves before the start of the season: to enter the Europa League and win all the games before the break. It has no effect to be in the lead, it is a very long championship,” he said.
What prompted you to insert Leao from the first minute despite Thursday’s performance?
“Trust in my players, I think mine is a psychological job and Rafa responded well. He knows very well that he is not at 100%, but he has the qualities to do well and help the team.
“I’m happy with his performance. He has been working for a few days but was ready and played well both as a winger and as a centre-forward. This allows me to have many solutions for a demanding schedule. Hauge also did well and also those who played less. We have to rest and think about the next match.”
Did you expect a match of this level from your team?
“Yes, I always expect the best possible match. In the first half we played well, but maybe the ball wasn’t moving so fast. The performance was there. It’s quite normal to relax a bit after having passed such a tiring session. We were mature today, we managed to stay focused and intense.”
Don’t you think Milan need a more ready deputy Ibra than Colombo?
“I think that if you remove the two best offensively players from all teams, even the strongest go into difficulty, it’s normal. It was a very important start to the season, even more so considering the absences. Leao has shown that he can be a centre-forward, albeit with other characteristics.”
What impression did Hauge make on you?
“He only arrived on Friday, I like him because he plays between the lines, he is fast and technical. He has some characteristics that will help us.”
Do you still expect an effort from the management on the market?
“The club knows very well what to do, if there is a chance to improve the team will do it, otherwise we are already doing well. Dalot I have just met him and he gives us other characteristics.”
On the break and the derby…
“The break will be important. It will be a particular presentation at the derby and it was a strange choice to play the derby on Saturday with only two days to prepare for the game after the national teams. These are the classic matches where the coach does not have to put pressure but I have to focus only on the strategy and on the men to play.”
