On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Bologna, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media at Milanello on the usual press conference (via MilanNews.it), sharing his thoughts on the situation.
The Rossoneri have certainly improved in the last few weeks, regaining some confidence after a very poor start to the season. However, there is still a lot of work left, as they currently sit in 11th place. The goal, of course, is a top-four finish.
“Match evaluations are important. We are on the right track, we are often ahead of our opponents. We haven’t put everything in place but we are at a good point. We must insist and continue to improve the standings.
“We must look for an important opportunity in every game. At the moment, every game has weight, we are looking for continuity and conviction. The players are doing well physically and mentally, they are also improving tactically,” he began.
The manager was also asked about Kris Piatek, of course, who keeps failing to impress the Rossoneri faithful. Furthermore, Pioli continues to favour him instead of Rafael Leao, who many believe should start instead.
“If he plays tomorrow, it means that I think he is functional to team play. Piatek is a centre forward, Leao is not really a striker but rather a player of movement. You can play in many ways and with different characteristics.
“The important thing is that the characteristics are complementary and the team plays as a team. There is no Piatek problem, Milan are trying in every way to get out of this delicate situation,” he continued.
In recent weeks, Ibrahimovic has been heavily linked with a return to the Rossoneri, as the latter are struggling to produce goals. However, Pioli was quick to play down the rumours, shifting focus to the Bologna game instead.
“Ibrahimovic? Santa Claus arrives on December 25th, you have been talking about this since October. If I could imagine a gift today, it would be three points against Bologna.
“Important to attack with full-backs? We have to have more solutions in the attacking phase, the opponent can’t close down everything. Whether there are wingers or full-backs, it makes no difference.
“Parma? We won because the team had fought for so long. If you win by suffering and fighting it means that everyone wanted to win. We have a solid base to build a better future,” he concluded.
READ MORE: Pioli names 23-man squad for Bologna clash – Paqueta returns, Caldara out
