Stefano Pioli expects a balanced Champions League clash between Milan and Tottenham, and spoke highly about his counterpart Antonio Conte.
Neither of the two clubs look their best heading into the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash, with both sides losing three of their last five respective league outings.
Pressure is starting to mount on both coaches, although Pioli still garners more support owing to Milan’s Scudetto success last season.
Speaking in a press conference, Pioli first discussed what Milan need to do to beat Tottenham.
“If we want to think we can win, we need high levels of intensity and technical quality. We have prepared for this.”
He spoke highly about his Spurs counterpart Conte.
“A difficult challenge, it’s inevitable for a Round of 16 game. Conte is a great coach and one of the few colleagues who have called me to congratulate me on the title.”
The Milan coach provided a brief update on the injured Ismael Bennacer.
“He trained with us but he’s not 100% and we can’t risk it. He won’t be there.”
Pioli touched on the differences between Italian and English football.
“On an economic level there’s no match. Then you can go on culture, on many other aspects but this is not the time.”
He spoke about the removal of the away goal rule and what that changes.
“Not that much, now you know that if you concede a goal at home, it’s no longer unattainable to progress. I prepared the team for all the details, because the details make the difference.”
The Rossoneri coach commented on the fact that five coaches in the Round of 16 are Italian.
“Ancelotti is a legend but so is Conte, Spalletti. So many good coaches, we have a good school and important characteristics.”
He spoke about how he wants Milan to play against Tottenham.
“We have to play well, try to always be dangerous and command the game. There’ll be a high-level offensive trident and the defensive phase will have to be compact.”
He commented on where Charles De Ketelaere can fit in his new system.
“We play with two trequartisti, his role is that, in the three-quarter: centre-right.”
Pioli discussed Tottenham’s 4-1 loss to Leicester City on the weekend.
“A week ago, they beat City, but we don’t come in better or worse than them. It will be a big game that we will have to play well.”
He was asked if Milan believe in their chances in the Champions League.
“We believe we’re equal to Tottenham. Winning the Champions League is a dream but it’s useless to think about it now.”
Finally, Pioli discussed the spirit shown by his players in training.
“I saw a better morale, a lot of energy. We are playing in the Champions League, we want to play it with the right spirit.”