Stefano Pioli commented on Chelsea’s decision to appoint Graham Potter, the high level of the Champions League and his key players Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud and Sandro Tonali.
The Rossoneri currently sit top of Group E heading into tonight’s clash at Stamford Bridge and a win over the Blues would allow them to put a foot in the Round of 16, an impressive sign after their struggles in the Champions League last season. Domestically Milan are hot on the heels of league leaders Napoli, sitting three points behind.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Pioli first discussed last season’s work in the Champions League and the lessons learnt from that campaign.
“The experience we had in the Champions League last season, against great opponents, was such an exciting and challenging debut but equally difficult against great teams.
“It caused us to grow. I see my players definitely more aware and definitely more mentally complete.”
He spoke highly about his Chelsea counterpart Potter.
“He’s a modern coach who tries to implement aggressive, dynamic, proactive football. The change of coach, unexpected, has also created some difficulties for us because we only have two games to study. But on the one hand better, we have less work to do. Only two games.
“Chelsea’s players all have great quality and a great technical level so we’ll definitely have a complicated game ahead of us.”
The Rossoneri coach touched on the differences between playing in Italy and in European competition.
“Only two things are different, the pitches where we play that allow you to play a high level of football, both in terms of technique and pace.
“And the refereeing is different. They blow the whistle less, protest less and so the intensity and pace of the game is high.”
Pioli was happy with midfielder Tonali.
“He’s a guy who is reaching very high levels. He’s always available, serene, smiling.”
He touched on the importance of Giroud to the squad.
“He’s not only a great player and a great champion, but he is a person of incredible depth.
“When we had our first video call, before he arrived here, both Maldini and Massara and I immediately had the feeling that we were dealing with a high-profile player who would raise the level of the whole team.”
The Milan coach also noted the importance of leader Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“For me the number one. A champion of mentality, technique, competitiveness and then I discovered a very intelligent and very nice person.
“He had to immerse himself in a reality where the team had never won, where young people had to be improved and stimulated, pampered at times. And he did it with an incredible sensitivity and intelligence. I hope to see him back on the pitch in January.”
Finally, Pioli gave his thoughts on star forward Leao.
“His attitudes, his slouching and smiling face do not correspond to the Rafael inside. A very intelligent guy, very sensitive. I like him a lot because he listens.
“I advise him every day to never be satisfied because if you have the potential he has, you have to make the most of it if you really want to be on top of the world.”