Stefano Pioli claimed that he is not interested in all the speculation surrounding transfer deadline day, instead preferring to focus on his current AC Milan squad and the next opponents Roma.
Milan face their first big test of the season – with respect to Bologna and Torino – as they make the trip to the capital to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night looking to make it three wins from three heading into the international break.
After beating Bologna 2-0 in the opening game of the season, the Rossoneri put in a more convincing display last weekend by triumphing 4-1 against Torino in a game when even their head coach Ivan Juric admitted there was a ‘huge gap’ between the teams.
A fired-up Jose Mourinho side is a different prospect though, especially given that Roma have taken just one point from their opening two games and lost 2-1 to Hellas Verona last time out, a side many are tipping to struggle.
Pioli spoke to the reporters who gathered at Milanello for his pre-match press conference on the eve of the trip to the capital, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Is this game a watershed for your side after the work done in the summer and the early signs of the season?
“Every match must be a turning point. We are Milan and we want to play to win. Roma are strong, they only have one point but they had good numbers in the first two matches. We want to give continuity to the first two victories.”
What do you expect from your side tomorrow?
“We always want to play a certain type of football, it’s the opponents who change. We want to play our football, trying to minimise mistakes. We’ll have to be careful and precise, we’ll have to play the game and not suffer it.”
Is there anything you like about the other teams?
“I’ve only watched our opponents so far, then during the break I’ll watch the others. I’m only focused on tomorrow’s match.”
Will Lukaku at Roma complicate tomorrow’s away match?
“In terms of the atmosphere, not much because Roma have sold out many matches. We work to play certain matches in certain stadiums. Certain things don’t scare us, but they stimulate us.”
Tomorrow there will be no Dybala…
“With or without Dybala and Lukaku, Roma are strong, organised, very physical, dangerous, they concede little, strong on set pieces. We have to be prepared.”
What does Lukaku bring to Roma?
“It’s a significant signing on paper, then we’ll see what the field says.”
Did you expect this level of impact from the new signings?
“We worked a lot together to prepare ourselves in the best possible way. I always insisted on a certain idea of the game and gave continuity to certain field choices.
“Let’s talk about important players, they are strong and intelligent. The whole system is working, even if there are still many things to improve.”
A year ago RedBird officially took over Milan…
“Cardinale has great charisma and personality. He wants to make the whole of Milan grow, this enthusiasm is a stimulus for us too.”
Has there been an improvement in the defensive organisation?
“Against Torino we were more compact. Tomorrow we face a different opponent, we will have to be good at reading the situations. We have prepared ourselves in the best possible way to face a dangerous opponent.”
You play before the other rivals. Is that a problem?
“No, as I see my team. I prefer to play early rather than late. The team is in good shape and mental health.”
How will you take on Roma?
“Many things have changed compared to last year’s match. The positions we’re going to take in possession are determined by the space they’ll leave us. Without the ball, the idea is to be aggressive, but you have to be careful.”
There is a negotiation ongoing for Taremi – what feeling do you have?
“I have such a capable management that between yesterday and today I haven’t heard from them, because they know I’m preparing for the match.
“I don’t know what they’re doing. I’m not interested in today, I’m interested in tomorrow night. I’m very happy and satisfied with the team I have. We’ll see tomorrow evening.”
Krunic had several suitors…
“For me he is a Milan starter. I have never had any other thoughts.”
Can Pulisic play the false nine?
“Everything is possible in football, when there are two essential factors: the quality of the players and their desire to make themselves available.
“Right now I think it’s important to give the team certainties. We’ve changed a lot, between exits and signings we’ve changed almost the whole squad.”
Juric said he was surprised by Milan’s physicality…
“In modern football, quality and skill make the difference.”
How many goals can Loftus-Cheek score?
“I hope he can score many. He has the qualities to be a decisive player even in the attacking phase.”
How is the integration of Musah, Chukwueze and Okafor going?
“They are working well. Okafor comes from an injury, perhaps he is the one furthest back, but he is improving. Musah and Chukwueze also had a strange summer, they didn’t play friendlies, but they are well and are ready to play from the first minute.”
What can you tell us about the Champions League draw?
“We will be on the plane during the draw, we hope that the captain gives us news! Last year we had a great Champions League. We want to face this year’s Champions League with great motivation and enthusiasm.
“Being in the third pot will probably see us in a complicated group, but that’s normal. You don’t always get what you want, but what you want to fight for.
“I’ve learned that you must never lose faith in the players; being positive, flexible, understanding how to help the team in difficult moments, can be of good help in giving the team a way.”
