Milan coach Stefano Pioli insists the Rossoneri ‘don’t care about the table’ and reveals Ismael Bennacer is in doubt for tomorrow’s game against Crotone.
Inter overtook Milan on top of the Serie A table thanks to a 2-0 win away at Fiorentina on Friday with the Rossoneri who host the Sharks at the San Siro tomorrow.
“We must be used to handle pressures, difficulties will increase,” Pioli said at a press conference.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli insists the Rossoneri ‘don’t care about the table’ and reveals Ismael Bennacer is in doubt for tomorrow’s game against Crotone.
Inter overtook Milan on top of the Serie A table thanks to a 2-0 win away at Fiorentina on Friday with the Rossoneri who host the Sharks at the San Siro tomorrow.
“We must be used to handle pressures, difficulties will increase,” Pioli said at a press conference.
“I insist it’s a privilege to have this kind of pressure, it’s not the first time we found ourselves behind Inter with a game in hand. We are not focused on this, we want to have the right approach, match quality and intensity to have more chances to win.
“We won a difficult game in Bologna and we want to continue, we don’t care about the table, we only want to win the next game," the coach insisted.
"Crotone have collected less than what they deserve, but it would be important to be on top tomorrow evening.”
The Rossoneri have had an entire week of training ahead of the game.
“It was strange, it hadn’t happened for long time. We have analysed some tactical situations and we’ve done a more physical-focused work. It was an intense and useful week," Pioli claimed.
“We’re in the middle of the climb, the most difficult slopes have yet to arrive. It will be difficult for everyone.
“Each one of the top seven teams can win the title or qualify for the Champions League, we don’t want to be among the three disappointed ones, the last five, six games will be decisive.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start in the Milan attack while Ismael Bennacer could be ruled out of the game.
“Ibra was very much determined in Bologna, I liked what he did on the pitch, we created ten goal scoring opportunities, it’s not easy in Serie A,” Pioli admitted.
"Bennacer had bronchitis and a bit of fever has not trained, he must be assessed for tomorrow."
How is Hakan Calhanoglu feeling after recovering from COVID?
“He had some symptoms, it’s something that can affect the physical condition, we are happy to have him back. He is a very important player for us, I still have to decide whether he will start or not.”
Fabio Capello visited Milanello yesterday.
“[Arrigo] Sacchi and Capello are two geat coaches, they have Milan in their hearts. They’ve obtained incredible successes and they follow us with affection. I am always very attentive to their assessments and opinions, there is always something to learn. We hope to make them satisfied".