Pioli explains Kessie role and sends message to Inter

Stefano Pioli explains what inspired the new Franck Kessie role as Milan beat Empoli 4-2, sending a message to leaders Inter. ‘We were Winter Champions last season and didn’t win the Scudetto, so it’s all wide open.’

This was a much-needed away victory in Tuscany, sealed by a Kessie brace, Alessandro Florenzi free kick and Theo Hernandez strike.

Serie A | Empoli 2-4 Milan: Kessie and Florenzi inspire

“We played against a very difficult opponent, but reacted with character and determination,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

“I always want to play better than the opposition, but today the points were the most important thing. We weren’t coming off some good results, even if I remain convinced we didn’t deserve to lose against Napoli, and needed this boost. Now we can rest a little easier and prepare for a tough January.

“Every victory is worth three points, but there are moments when some games weigh a little heavier. This was one of them, because we’d not been in the best form and just lost a head-to-head clash with Napoli.

“This was a team that played with spirit, unity and determination to win at all costs.”

Kessie was used in a new trequartista role behind the striker, in place of Brahim Diaz, and certainly relished it by scoring two goals at the Stadio Castellani. Where did this idea come from?

“We knew Empoli passed it very well and they have a tricky system with a diamond midfield, so we wanted more pace and physicality. Brahim Diaz also needed to rest, as he’s been playing so much lately and was a little tired,” explained the coach.

The Rossoneri were feeling the pressure after just seven points from the last six Serie A games, having been caught in second place by Napoli.

“We’re competitive again, the final step is always the hardest, because we are Milan and have raised expectations, but we keep seeing some strange results all over the division. The second half of the season will be even tougher, so we need to raise the bar and be ready.

“I am satisfied with what the team did tonight, but also our ability to react to difficulties. We remain a young group, but one that knows what it wants. I motivated them today by telling them some were saying they lacked humility and the desire to run. I don’t believe that’s true, if anything we lacked quality and focus, but I wanted them to prove they had the right attitude.”

Inter are the Winter Champions with a four-point lead at the top of the table, but after Napoli lost 1-0 at home to Spezia, Milan have consolidated second place.

“When you miss some key players with particular characteristics, you are going to miss them. The important thing is to remain competitive with the top teams. After all, we won the Winter Champions title last season, but we didn’t end up getting the Scudetto, so it’s all wide open.

“The objective is to keep improving. We had 66 points the first season, 79 the second, the target is to do better. We reached the midway stage now with one less point than last season, but I continue to believe we can finish with more.

“I keep saying it’s a privilege to have high expectations on us, because it means we earned that pressure. I want to thank our fans and wish them a Merry Christmas, because they are supporting us with extraordinary passion. We hope to do even better in 2022.”

Alessandro Florenzi had the keeper rooted to the spot on this free-kick 🎯

Places it perfectly! 👌 pic.twitter.com/OwlAkGsFwC

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 22, 2021