Stefano Pioli called it a ‘privilege’ to be involved in the title race and looked over to the Premier League when discussing the unpredictability of a title race.
The Rossoneri go into this weekend at the top of the Serie A table with 67 points, one ahead of second place Napoli and four ahead of third place Napoli. They cannot afford to drop points now with only seven games remaining.
Speaking in a press conference today, Pioli first discussed Milan’s issues finding the back of the net this season.
“The big numbers tell you something. We’re aware that we need to improve in the finishing phase, we’ve tried to work on this with even more precision and effectiveness.”
He provided an update on the status of Belgian prospect Alexis Saelemaekers.
“Saelemaekers is a starter for Milan, then I have to make choices. His condition can’t be 100% for the whole season, I just chose what I thought was best for the moment.
“Can this be his moment in Turin? It can be.”
He touched on how the Serie A title race is unpredictable because there are no perfect teams.
“There are no perfect teams. City had a 12-13 point lead over Liverpool, tomorrow’s direct clash they’re one point ahead.
“All teams experience moments of up and down, to be overcome with work. We’ve shown that we can overcome difficulties with teamwork, and that’s what we have to focus on.”
Pioli gave his thoughts on emerging talent Tommaso Pobega, who is impressing with Sampdoria this season.
“He has definitely done well, but this is not the time to talk about next season. We are focused on making the most of the current squad.”
The Milan coach had little to say about the booing aimed at Franck Kessie.
“I haven’t spoken to him, we’re motivated and focused on the game.”
He spoke about how great it feels for Milan to be involved in the title race this season.
“It’s a privilege to be here at this moment, no one in the summer thought we could fight for the Scudetto.
“But now we’re there. I’m referring to the evaluations that were made on paper in the summer, we’re having a great second half of the season. We have our limits, but our qualities are more important.”
Pioli discussed Brahim Diaz and Junior Messias, two players who have struggled for consistent minutes this campaign.
“They have confidence, all my players. I respect them a lot, for their daily work. Then I make choices to put in the best line-up.
“Everyone must think that with a handful of minutes played they can make the difference.”
The Rossoneri coach commented on the idea of playing both Ante Rebic and Rafael Leao together.
“That can be a more suitable solution for a three-man defence than a four-man defence. We can change a little bit and try other situations.
“With Kessie as a trequartista you’re a bit more balanced, but it depends on the games.”
He spoke about the upcoming battle between Olivier Giroud and Gleison Bremer.
“Bremer is one of the strongest defenders in the Italian league, Giroud is one of the strongest strikers in the Italian league.”
The Milan coach tried to explain why the team struggle to find the back of the net sometimes.
“If we think too much about the previous game we don’t prepare well for the next one. Games are unique, maybe tomorrow we won’t get 30 shots on target but we’ll get three and score three goals.
“The important thing is to put in the quality to make things difficult for Torino.”
Finally, Pioli refused to make any promises to the fans ahead of the clash against Torino.
“I can’t promise anything about not making the fans suffer, but we’ll try to give them joy.”
LIVE MN – Tra pochi minuti la conferenza stampa di Stefano Pioli alla vigilia di Torino-Milan! https://t.co/WUCrsRD4Xo
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) April 9, 2022