Stefano Pioli believes that very few teams are currently capable of performing at the highest levels in both the league and the Champions League, but has backed the Rossoneri to still do well in Europe, whilst outlining the need to pick up crucial points in Serie A.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit from the league’s second-placed side Lazio on Saturday afternoon, Pioli insisted that he has been pleased with his team’s performances, despite having slipped to an unfortunate 1-1 draw against Cremonese last time out.
Before assessing his own side, however, the Milan coach took a moment to send his congratulations to Luciano Spalletti and Napoli after being crowned Serie A champions on Thursday night.
“The title is handed over to a very strong team, whom we congratulate,” he told the press. “They have shown that they are the strongest team, they deserved it, congratulations to Spalletti, the players and the club.”
When asked about his own side and their recent tendency to slip up against smaller sides, Pioli replied: “It’s not a coincidence. From Napoli onwards, the team has dominated matches more than they did before, but we only got 2 wins and 4 draws. We needed to reverse certain results given how well we controlled those games.
“If we weren’t able to win, it means that something is lacking in the opponent’s box. I hope that tomorrow we will control the game and that we will be more decisive and effective in front of goal.
“It’s almost all or nothing tomorrow. We have to pick up a lot of points between now and the end of the season and tomorrow is incredibly important.”
Milan fielded a heavily rotated side against La Cremo in the midweek tie ahead of a busy week of domestic and European clashes. Pioli took full responsibility for his side’s failure to pick up three points.
He explained: “I know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, I know how to take responsibility. There isn’t a Milan 1 or Milan 2. The performance (against Cremonese) wasn’t lacking, just the winning result.
“The team is fine, they’re not worried, they’re not afraid, they’re not heartbroken, rather focused and determined. Our mood depends on the results: we smile if we win, at the moment we’re not happy because we have high expectations.”
“Each season tells its own story. Last year we won an exceptional championship, and this year we set off with the will to win it again. Last year we took big steps forward when we came out of the Champions League, while this year in Europe we’re doing exceptional things.
However, Pioli pointed out that there is only one team still capable of winning both the Champions League and their respective domestic league title.
“Manchester City are the only European leaders who can still win the Champions League and the league championship, we’re not at those levels yet,” he confessed.