Pioli previews Samp clash, discusses ‘wonderful’ Theo renewal and provides injury updates

By Isak Möller -

On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Sampdoria, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media at the usual press conference. The Rossoneri are in very good form and will be looking to claim another win. 

After beating Inter and Lazio, Milan will take on Sampdoria tomorrow at lunchtime (12:30 CET kick-off) and three important points are at stake. Depending on the game between Inter and Napoli today, the Rossoneri might end up in first.

During his press conference this morning (via MilanNews), scheduled for a 9:30 CET start, Pioli shared his thoughts on the current situation and the game tomorrow. He also spoke about Theo’s renewal, the upcoming games, Kalulu’s growth and much more.

On Theo’s renewal…

“I think it’s a wonderful sign of a club that has a vision for the present and the future. Theo and Milan strongly wanted the renewal of the contract, an important sign for the whole environment. To have players who feel this importance of a club that plans for the present and the future, means that the path can give stability to a club that wants to return to the highest levels.”

On the turning point after the derby…

“There was never pessimism at Milanello, we have always worked with confidence. The strength of a group is to keep doing it when the results don’t come, it’s easy to do it when you win games. You have to think game to game, we are clearly satisfied with the last two games. Now only tomorrow’s game counts and there is great concentration.”

On the starting XI…

“My idea and my will is to field the best line-up. It may be that tomorrow will not be the same as Wednesday, but it is certainly always the best. The line-up can change based on the condition of the players and the type of opponent we face.”

On Giroud and Ibrahimovic…

“Now Olivier is well physically and mentally, the important thing is that the team continues to play an attacking game. Zlatan is still working aside, we have to wait a little longer: let’s see in the next few days.”

On the maturity of the team…

“I’m convinced that, beyond the results of the others and our match tomorrow, the team is much more aware and mature than one or two years ago. But that’s normal. It’s a very young team, it has gained experience and has grown. The boys know that between now and the end of the season every game will have an important specific weight. But what matters is only tomorrow.”

On the difference in the results between home and away games…

“For the way we play, I would expect a more balanced stat, but it’s not. This must motivate us and stimulate us more to improve our home results. We must exploit the energy that our fans give us.”

On the sustainability of football…

“I believe that our club is working in that direction and it is a necessary, logical and right direction, especially for the moment that the whole society is experiencing.”

What’s missing to win?

“There are fifteen games left and that is a lot. We have to think about claiming as many points as possible. Right now the gap between winning and not winning is thin, the details will make the difference. Tomorrow we have a difficult game, we face an opponent who on Sunday won 4-0 against Sassuolo. If we put in a good performance we will have the chance to win.”

On the upcoming games against lower-level sides…

“We have to face them with conviction and confidence. We have to play every game to the fullest, knowing that most of the time the result depends on us.”

On the growth of some players…

“Everyone will give their contribution to ensure that the team expresses itself at the highest levels. We have to push hard and all the players are available to try and give this contribution to the team.”

If Leao is next after Theo…

“I see highly motivated players, we have managed to create a positive and professional environment. Seeing such happy players is very important.”

On the moment of Kessie…

“Franck is a starter for Milan, as are Tonali, Bennacer, Krunic and many other players. The other night, against Milinkovic, he played a super game, with Inter I asked him to sacrifice himself and he did. I’m convinced of Franck’s moral and technical qualities, he must continue like this.”

On Ballo-Touré and the possible replacement for Theo…

“Ballo will join the team today, he will do his first training session with us. During the African Cup, he had an injury. Yesterday he did a separate training and it gave positive results. If today he does all the training he will be available for tomorrow, then we’ll see what choices to make from the beginning.”

On Bennacer…

“Ismael did well when he joined against Juve, he had the chance to recover during the break and did an excellent derby. He is in optimal conditions to do well, he is a player of great intensity and lucidity, for us he is important.”

On Kalulu’s growth…

“He is a starter, he plays with strength, courage and personality. He surprised me at the beginning, but now he doesn’t surprise me anymore. His strength is to face every game with great conviction and confidence. He has physical means and important vision: for me, he is absolutely a Milan starter.”

On Sampdoria and Giampaolo…

“His mark is already visible, it’s a team that wants to dribble. They have good characteristics and good attacking players. Giampaolo will be very motivated because he is a great coach and wants to revive the fortunes of a great club like Sampdoria.”

On what can make the difference at the moment…

“It will make a difference if we play better than our opponents, this must be our goal. We must face Sampdoria with clear ideas and try to give our best.”

Thanks to their win against Lazio, Milan will face Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final, which is a two-legged affair. A lot can happen before the end of the season in terms of confidence and form, therefore.


READ MORE: Milan’s schedule for Saturday as they prepare for Sampdoria encounter

Tags AC Milan Sampdoria Stefano Pioli
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