Milan coach Stefano Pioli said Mario Mandzukic is ‘ready’, has called up Zlatan Ibrahimovic and said an ‘intense period’ starts with Red Star on Thursday.
The Rossoneri prepare for the Europa League round of 32’s first leg in Serbia and Pioli stressed he is not thinking about the Derby della Madonnina this weekend.
“We must have the utmost attention on Red Star,” Pioli said at a press conference. “We are happy to return to play in Europe.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli said Mario Mandzukic is ‘ready’, has called up Zlatan Ibrahimovic and said an ‘intense period’ starts with Red Star on Thursday.
The Rossoneri prepare for the Europa League round of 32’s first leg in Serbia and Pioli stressed he is not thinking about the Derby della Madonnina this weekend.
“We must have the utmost attention on Red Star,” Pioli said at a press conference. “We are happy to return to play in Europe.
“The team must feel the sensations, the joy, the enthusiasm we had 139 days ago against Rio Ave. We want to be a surprise in this competition.
“We are satisfied with our path and we must maintain the utmost humility but also the awareness of our means.
“An intense period begins, decisive for the championship and the Europa League. We must always try to play our best. Starting with tomorrow.”
Pioli was not happy with the 2-0 defeat to Spezia in Serie A last time but looks ahead with confidence.
“We have to look ahead, on Saturday we didn’t play like Milan,” he continued. “In sport, what you did in the past doesn’t count. It’s what you do from tomorrow that counts.
“We are focused on getting off to a good start in this double header against a team that plays good football and dominate their own League.”
Croatian Mandzukic signed with Milan in January and Pioli said the former Juventus forward could start on Thursday.
“Mario is a great professional,” Pioli explained. “He has entered well and is working hard, with availability, to be at his best.
“He’s working great and I think he can be ready to play tomorrow.”
And the coach continued to confirm Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s presence in Belgrade.
“Zlatan is called up, the whole team will come to Belgrade,” he said. “We are sorry [there will be no public in the stands].
“Football is made for the fans, of enthusiasm and passion. It would have charged Red Star, but us too. We are sorry there are no fans.”