Stefano Pioli said the key word for Milan in the remaining games is ‘energy’ and was confident about his own future. ‘I’m convinced of what I do and my work’.
Milan must bounce back from a bad defeat to Lazio last time and the coach his team have always ‘had the right attitude’.
“We had a great first half of the season,” Pioli said at a press conference. “Now, it’s a little less. Debating is normal.
Stefano Pioli said the key word for Milan in the remaining games is ‘energy’ and was confident about his own future. ‘I’m convinced of what I do and my work’.
Milan must bounce back from a bad defeat to Lazio last time and the coach his team have always ‘had the right attitude’.
“We had a great first half of the season,” Pioli said at a press conference. “Now, it’s a little less. Debating is normal.
“We need to be more determined and careful about some imperfections. This team has always had the right attitude, the desire to grow.
“Through these difficulties, the group must demonstrate their strength. You have to show quality and team spirit and put down a big effort.
“If we fail in doing these three things, it becomes difficult to get certain results.”
Pioli expects his team to bounce back and said he saw a ‘determined’ squad during training ahead of the match against Benevento.
“A young group like ours can grow further. We have had happy and positive moments. Now, we must show that we know how to overcome even the difficult ones.
“I saw a determined team, but we have to show it on the pitch tomorrow.”
Despite the difficult period, Pioli said he feels the full support of the club.
“The support of the club has never been lacking,” the coach continued. “They are people who know what football is.
“They know that such difficult seasons also include delicate moments. Their closeness helps us and is important.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been out for the last two defeats and Pioli said he’s happy the veteran is back in action.
“We all know how important it is for us, both from a technical point of view and a personal,” he said. “We are happy that he’s available again.
Rumours in the Italian media have suggested Pioli could risk his job if Milan don’t qualify for the Champions League, but the coach said he only goes his own way.
“I have always had the support of the club and of the owners,” Pioli continued. “I’m in a great club and therefore the expectations are high.
“Now we think about the last matches, then we will do all the evaluations. The accounts are always made up in the end. I’m convinced of what I’m doing and of my work.
“I’m going my own way.”
Milan sit joint third ahead of Serie A Week 34, joint on points with Napoli and Juventus.
“The key word now is energy. We have to have a lot of energy. We knew it was going to be a difficult season, we are here to play for our target and we need a lot of energy.
“The last two defeats hurt us, but we must believe in ourselves and our quality. We need to control the games better.
“I’m coaching an intelligent group. Tomorrow, I will give my usual motivational speech, but all the lads know what we are playing for.
“We don’t have to change the way we play based on the results. We have to be strong and mentally balanced."