Stefano Pioli underlined Milan’s goals in the final stages of this Serie A season and commented on the impact of Juventus’ temporary point restoration.
The Bianconeri were handed a 15-point deduction by the FIGC court back in January for allegedly falsifying their capital gains through inflated player transfer values. The Old Lady appealed and CONI’s Collegio di Garanzia decided this week to temporarily annul the penalty pending a new sporting trial, a situation that may not reach it’s conclusion until next season.
As a result, Juventus have flown up the Serie A table and now sit third with 59 points, pushing Milan out of the top four spots and at serious risk of missing out on the Champions League.
Speaking in a press conference, Pioli first discussed the fact that Milan have only won five league games in 2023.
“It is important to win, it is much more so now. We can finish this season well. There are eight games left, five of which at San Siro, we have to finish the season well for the qualities we have.”
He was asked if it was easy to motivate the team following their success in the Champions League.
“It is easy because we have closed the Champions League dream in a safe room. Now we think about the league, we have four games, and we know we have to push hard. The current position in the table is not the one we want in the end.”
The Italian coach provided an update on the condition of his squad.
“Ibra will be called up, limited autonomy, but he’s fine. Giroud won’t be there, he’s had a bit of a strain on his calf tendon in recent games. Pobega picked up a knock today, we’ll see tomorrow.”
Pioli was asked about the impact of the decision to give annul Juventus’ point penalty.
“Juve don’t affect us. Of course, the sooner there is a definitive table the better for everyone.”
He commented on the reaction of his players after their Champions League quarter-final win.
“There was a lot of euphoria, and it was inevitable, having overcome a very strong opponent. Now we have to be good at carrying energy into the league. The next two league games are very important for our finish. Lecce gave us a hard time in the first match, we should be prepared.”
The Milan coach touched on the pressure on his Inter counterpart Simone Inzaghi and if that’ll have an effect on their Champions League semi-final clash.
“The Champions League will come, when the time comes, we’ll think about it. I don’t judge other people’s positions.”
He discussed the footballing calendar and if there were too many games.
“That it has been and will be a very demanding season yes, but it will be up to me to manage the players’ strengths well, maintaining the right tension in all the league games above all.
“It’s clear that the calendar is what it is… After Roma we’ll do what is necessary to put together the best formations to score as many points as possible.”
Pioli was asked if everything was in Milan’s hands.
“It’s not all in our hands because we are fifth. We need to score a lot of points. The schedule we have gives us the chance to score lots of points, with words, however, you don’t get points.”
He spoke about the work of Davide Calabria.
“We’ve had difficult moments, like the one in January. We have built up a wealth of experience that is very important. It’s not important because we had a difficult moment, but to know how we overcame it: by working.”
He touched on the importance of Mike Maignan.
“All important teams have a champion in their staff. And Mike is a champion in everything, beyond his technical values.”
The Milan coach was asked to give some advice to UEFA’s new Football Board.
“Yes, but I think it will get worse because they want to play more and more games…. If you play so often you can’t expect the spectacle to be high all the time, because of injuries, energy….
“Playing less or having more space for players to recover would be important. There are players who never manage to recover and take off, it becomes more and more difficult or risky because of injuries.”
He spoke about some of Lecce’s qualities.
“A very direct team. On the road they start with more speed than anyone else. We’ll have to lose few balls and do well in the defending.”
Finally, Pioli discussed Ante Rebic.
“He played less, because the choices were more with other players. He’s strong, but he also has character, he needs to play a bit more, but I’m sure he’ll be ready.”