Stefano Pioli warns Milan ‘worked so hard to get here’ in the Europa League last 16 and will face Manchester United, ‘a club with similar history and tradition.’
The Rossoneri are beginning to feel the fatigue of starting their season before anyone else, as they began their campaign with the Europa League preliminary rounds against Shamrock Rovers on September 17, needing also to get past Bodo/Glimt and Rio Ave.
Stefano Pioli warns Milan ‘worked so hard to get here’ in the Europa League last 16 and will face Manchester United, ‘a club with similar history and tradition.’
The Rossoneri are beginning to feel the fatigue of starting their season before anyone else, as they began their campaign with the Europa League preliminary rounds against Shamrock Rovers on September 17, needing also to get past Bodo/Glimt and Rio Ave.
“Clearly, we are up against a very strong opponent, a prestigious club with a similar great history and tradition as ours,” Pioli told Milan TV.
“It’s going to be a difficult match, but also stimulating and motivating, as we try to show what we can do. We worked so hard to get here, to test ourselves against such strong opposition, and understand the level we are at right now.”
Milan are currently second in Serie A, despite the on-going injury crisis that ruled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ante Rebic, Theo Hernandez, Mario Mandzukic and Ismael Bennacer.
Sky Sport Italia also report that although he is in the squad, captain Alessio Romagnoli isn’t fit to play either.
Coach Pioli was asked specifically about his rapport with midfielder Franck Kessie, which they both admit was at first frosty.
“When you take over mid-season, you bring new methods and it takes time to get to know each other. I think one of the most important things is to get into the minds of the players, understand their characteristics and above all their personalities.
“We had a few discussions with Franck, which is normal for our line of work. Once we understood each other better, we gave our all for Milan and that is what we must continue to do.”