Following the comfortable 2-0 win against Bologna, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli praised his players for the performance. He also confirmed that the Rossoneri have signed Malick Thiaw from Schalke 04.
The Rossoneri got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win this evening, thanks to goals from Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud, capitalising on Inter’s defeat yesterday. Off the pitch, there has also been some movement.
Speaking to Sky Italia, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli praised his players for tonight’s game and he also confirmed the signing of Thiaw. It’s a welcome addition for the manager as Milan have been looking for a centre-back all summer.
On the match…
“I must say that playing in front of our fans is special, it gives us a passion that we try to transform into energy on the pitch. The team is more aware and mature on the pitch but I think we can do even better, even tonight we forced the depth. The team played at a great pace, I am satisfied knowing that we can still grow a lot.”
On De Ketelaere…
“There is no doubt that Charles has a great talent, he must grow and find a rhythm. However, these are processes that take some time. He has already shown some important things, he is a very intelligent boy and he will only grow more.”
On Leao…
“A player with such important potential must continue to think he wants to improve day after day. I have not done anything, since July 4th Rafa has been very calm, he has never missed a training session. Perhaps the first match against Udinese was not his best possible performance, he is an intelligent guy who wants to do better.”
On the right-wing…
“I’m delighted with Messias and Saelemaekers. We have our own balances that require the winger to try to be dangerous but do a dirty job. Always be balanced, on the right I feel okay with the players I have.”
On Adli…
“I don’t think he can play on the right, I don’t think he’s a player to be moved to the outside.”
On Thiaw…
“He’s is a player with a great potential, he is fast, he is intelligent, he has good technique and physicality. He is a guy who has the right characteristics to be within our group.”
It remains to be seen what will happen with Matteo Gabbia now. He’s a useful player for the UEFA squad list but a loan move could do him well, seeing as he won’t get much playing time at Milan despite the tight schedule.
