Stefano Pioli reveals what he told the team after Milan's derby defeat and admits Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss a couple of training sessions to participate in the Sanremo music Festival.
"It has been a difficult and complicated journey, but when the level raises is normal and we managed to overcome some difficulties," Pioli said at a press conference ahead of Tomorrow's Europa League clash against Red Star.
"Now we have a new obstacle and we have a small advantage that does not allow us to manage the game otherwise."
Stefano Pioli reveals what he told the team after Milan's derby defeat and admits Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss a couple of training sessions to participate in the Sanremo music Festival.
"It has been a difficult and complicated journey, but when the level raises is normal and we managed to overcome some difficulties," Pioli said at a press conference ahead of Tomorrow's Europa League clash against Red Star.
"Now we have a new obstacle and we have a small advantage that does not allow us to manage the game otherwise."
The Rossoneri picked up an away 2-2 draw in Belgrade's first leg clash last week.
"We'll have to have so much quality to qualify for the next round.
"Bennacer did not have a relapse. For this week, he will not work with the team. We hope to have him back soon.
"Kessie is fine. He's available for Tomorrow. Then we'll see what choices to make.
"The group is aware of its qualities. We want to react. We want to prove it's possible to play good football and get the results," the coach continued.
The Rossoneri lost the Milan derby 3-0 last week. How have the team reacted?
"We analysed the last performance, only at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second we made our game. We played with little intensity.
"You can fall, it is not a failure to fall in these games but it would be to stand still in the fall points. We must start again with rhythm and consistency.
"I see a group motivated and willing to go back to play as we did a few weeks ago. I told the team that there are 90 days left until the end of the season. It will be decisive days for our season.
"If things go well, there may be 93 days to go before the Europa League Final on May 26.
"I'm not going to say anything about this morning's game in training. Before the Spezia game, I said we had trained well and then we know how it went. We have to prove it in the field."
Does he think Milan have a problem in defence and what does he make of Sandro Tonali's performances?
"It's wrong to talk about single roles. We defend all together. If we conceded goals, it's because we didn't defend with the right intensity.
"When the team struggle, singles players struggle too, Tonali is improving."
"We want to do well in Europe, I have many players to keep high the team's level.
"Tomorrow it will be a complicated game, but within our reach. We want to move forward in Europe.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will take part in the Sanremo festival next week.
"I talk to him every day. Last week we set his schedule, he will miss a couple of training sessions, but he will be available for matches.
"If there is a champion able to withstand this pressure, it is he. I think he draws more motivation to help the team".