Stefano Pioli reveals he used the words of Kobe Bryant to get the Milan players focused against Atalanta and their secret weapon in the Scudetto race is ‘belief.’
It was their fifth consecutive Serie A victory, decided by Rafael Leao on a Junior Messias through ball and Theo Hernandez sprinting from his own penalty area to score past Juan Musso.
This means the Rossoneri could be crowned Champions this evening if Inter fail to beat relegation-threatened Cagliari.
Failing that, they only need a point to be sure against Sassuolo in the last round of the season.
Serie A | Milan 2-0 Atalanta: Leao and Theo sprint towards Scudetto
“I had to salute the fans, it was our last home game of the season, they’ve been inspiring us with their passion for a year, now we’ve got another week and mustn’t change anything, we retain the usual concentration and calm,” Pioli told DAZN.
“Atalanta are a very strong team and created a lot of problems, but we did very well in defence and allowed them very few scoring opportunities. We also did well trying to find the solution to create those spaces, players going back and forth, wide and closer to the centre.
“All the previous games taught us that we have what it takes in terms of determination, belief and courage. Those comeback wins over Lazio and Verona gave us more belief, that takes away some of the anxiety.
“The lads know we have strengths and weaknesses, we must try to make the most of our strengths.”
Pioli has never won the Serie A title before, so how does he feel on the verge of achieving the first Scudetto of his career, as well as Milan’s first in well over a decade?
“In all honesty, the last few weeks have been very normal, because I see the attitude of my players, they are smiling, joking, determined and focused when they arrive at the training ground every day. I don’t need to worry, because I see that focus.
“We had 10,000 fans waiting for us as we drove through on the bus, that obviously fired everyone up. Now I expect another week like this.”
Meanwhile, Pioli revealed he used a legendary Milan supporter to get the players concentrated.
“I showed the lads an interview with Kobe Bryant, who said at 2-0 up in the NBA Play-Offs, the job is not done. We’re not done. We need to maintain that calm and concentration that can in the end prove decisive.
“When we took charge at Milan, the team had completely different tactical ideals and concepts, so we had to change everything. Now the good thing is that the players enjoy making the most of our strengths and preparing tactically, being able to adjust also to limit our opponents.”
Finally, the coach was asked if he’d prefer to win the Scudetto a week in advance without playing or earn it on the field next weekend?
“What do you think?!”
Who else but Rafael Leão?! 🔥
Milan haven’t been at their best this evening, but the San Siro crowd won’t care one bit 🗣
A huge goal in the Serie A title race. pic.twitter.com/BQwZIAEC1n
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 15, 2022
Kobe really was an inspiration, and a true fan of Milan…
This Milan has been built from scratches and has foundation beneath it. I’m really happy the team has been handled this way. Everyone has worked hard’ from the players to the Manager and Directors.
I hope Milan will enjoy the Scudetto next week.
Forza Milan