Stefano Pioli defends Rafael Leao after his performance against Tottenham and wants Milan fully focused on Salernitana. ‘What we’ve done in the past no longer counts, only what we do from tomorrow.’
It kicks off at San Siro on Monday at 19.45 GMT.
Rafael Leao and Rade Krunic return from suspension, but Junior Messias is out for at least a couple of weeks with a muscular strain.
A victory would allow the Rossoneri to catch Inter in joint second place and make up for the defeat to Fiorentina, although confidence was boosted by qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals by eliminating Tottenham Hotspur midweek.
“We need to dive back into the Serie A spirit with great determination. If we want to keep experiencing the Champions League emotions we enjoyed this week, then we have to finish in the top four,” said Pioli in his press conference.
“I saw what I wanted from the lads in training, we are concentrated, in good shape physically, mentally and tactically, though of course there are many things we can do better.
“When so many were eager to put us on trial in the media, we stayed united and realised what wasn’t working. From tomorrow onwards, everything that happens will be decisive for this season. What we’ve done in the past no longer counts, only what we do tomorrow.
“Compared to last season, we are doing better in Europe and less so in Serie A. Managing to get Milan into the Champions League for three seasons in a row is one of our objectives.”
The Diavolo won the trophy seven times, but had not reached the quarter-finals in over a decade, so are Milan starting to scare European football again?
“I don’t know, you’d have to ask the other clubs. I doubt anyone will be glad to face us.”
There were reports Zlatan Ibrahimovic would get his first start since the knee surgery in May, but Pioli is eager not to rush the Swedish veteran.
“Not tomorrow, but soon. He is training with more consistency than in recent weeks, so he’ll be able to help us tomorrow, but not from the start.”
Leao should in theory have been in top shape against Spurs after he missed the Fiorentina game through suspension, but again seemed listless and disinterested.
“We can do better in giving him service, as he made four or five runs into space that would’ve sent him clear with the right pass. We can all do more,” assured the coach.
“I continue to tell you that Rafa has more freedom than anyone in his movements, he needs to seek out the space and attacking options himself. Salernitana are a solid side in defence, so we must do even better to find those solutions. In Serie A, the coaches study how to neutralise their opponents and cause difficulties.
“Salernitana occupy quite similar tactical positions to Tottenham, they defend well and counter-attack quickly. We need to play with more precision and intensity.”
There also remain serious question marks over Charles De Ketelaere, who is still waiting for his first goal in the Rossoneri jersey.
“He can improve in his choices, as we all can after the first half against Tottenham. Alexis Saelemaekers has the same characteristics as Messias, he played as a wing-back in Belgium. Alessandro Florenzi can cover that role too.”