Stefano Pioli reveals what Aurelio Andreazzoli told him after Milan‘s opening goal against Empoli and says he will start studying Atalanta on the return trip from Tuscany.
Pioli spoke at a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia following a 3-0 win over Empoli at the Stadio Castellani Computer Gross Arena on Sunday.
The Rossoneri sit third in the Serie A table, but their city rivals Inter remain nine points above. This is why Pioli is not thinking about the title race, at least for now.
“We must think that we ended the Girone d’andata with just one point more than last season, so it was barely an improvement,” Pioli said.
“Now, we must think about earning as many points as possible, we can’t think about anything else. There is a big gap with two clubs ahead of us [Inter and Juventus], but the season is long, and there are many points still available.”
Milan return to the pitch on Wednesday at San Siro against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.
“I will watch Atalanta videos and prepare everything on the train back home,” said Pioli.
“I hadn’t prepared anything about Atalanta because I was only focused on Empoli.”
Andreazzoli had approached Pioli following Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s opener at minute 11 to say something to his colleague and the Rossoneri coach revealed what the Tuscans’ tactician had whispered.
“I really respect Aurelio as I think he has great human values. He told me: ‘Like this, it’s easy for you’ and I think he was complimenting Rafa,” explained Pioli.
“I was calm as we respect each other.”
Chaka Traoré scored his first Serie A goal in the final minutes against Empoli, while Alex Jimenez made his Serie A debut today, so Pioli revealed what makes young Milan players special.
“They are humble which is an uncommon quality for youths these days.
“This is what we need to gain much-needed enthusiasm. The experienced players are helping them as they should. They are in the adults’ word now, so they must be responsible.”
Pioli seemed not surprised when he heard Theo Hernandez say that Milan players always backed their coach even when he was seemingly fighting for his job.
“As a coach, behaviour makes the difference, not the words and I have never had the feeling that players were letting me down. I am proud of the work we are doing at Milan. The availability and determination make us go ahead even if results ultimately make the difference.”
Bilan won against Empoli and scudetto talk is on🤣🤣🤣🤣