Milan coach Stefano Pioli admitted it ‘has been a difficult 10 days’ for the club and underlined the qualities needed in the upcoming fight with Juventus.
The Rossoneri are in a state of misery heading into the final few weeks of the season, having little to play for following their Europa League quarter-final exit to Roma. The mood was further dampened by the Derby della Madonnina loss, handing Inter their second Scudetto star.
At the centre of the storm is Pioli, who has been under increasing amounts of pressure over the last eight months. Milan have seemingly decided to dismiss the Italian tactician after five years, being linked to a number of possible replacements including Mark van Bommel and Antonio Conte.
Pioli on Milan’s ‘difficult 10 days’
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Pioli first discussed the importance of facing Juventus in a busy period like April.
“It absolutely has to be like this, also unfortunately due to the recent negative results. The focus must be on finishing second. It’s been a difficult 10 days.”
He opened up about these difficulties.
“It’s easy, in quotes, because we can’t stop at these disappointments that we’ve suffered and that we’ve given to our fans, so we obviously have to have the desire for redemption, to remain compact and the desire to win matches up to the end of the season.
“We suffer from these situations, but we have a duty to get back up.”
Pioli spoke about what Milan need to show against Juventus.
“We will have to fight, give our all, as if it were our last match, be focused, determined. We want to defend second place.”
The Rossoneri coach was asked if Inter were stronger.
“We gave everything, yes, but we weren’t always able to put our qualities on the pitch. Inter have had the strongest team in the league for four years and have only won two titles.
“We’ve never had that, we have won a title, but we gave everything, even though we weren’t able to raise our level of play.”
Pioli commented on the meaning of these final games.
“We want to demonstrate who we are, that we are Milan.”
He was asked if his five years in charge were positive or negative on retrospect.
“There has been no middle ground in these five years, either positive or negative. If I could change the result of the derbies, I would give everything I have, but it can’t be done. I for one have to have broad shoulders. It was a strong pain to see the opponents celebrate.”
Pioli spoke about Milan’s weak points.
“The most obvious thing was the exit from the Europa League, then that month in where we fell away from Inter. Inter are stronger, they have been more consistent, more solid. However, we were not the only ones who didn’t keep up.”
He touched on the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Zlatan was here yesterday and the day before yesterday, he is always close to us, he gives us support to overcome the negative moment. We are together and together we try to overcome the difficult moment.”
Pioli was asked if Milan were ready to weather the storm.
“We have to, if you want to be at a high level you have to.”
He explained why he didn’t hold a press conference after the loss to Inter.
“I didn’t want to not give the conference, but it was the management’s choice. I have always assumed my responsibilities, otherwise I would’ve remained silent until the end of the season.”
Pioli spoke about his priorities before the derby.
“The priority was to try to be compact in the defensive phase, so the choices were oriented there. The plan worked up to a certain point, but when you concede a goal from a corner, you put them in a position to do what they do well.”
Finally, Pioli discussed Ibrahimovic’s role at the club.
“I believe these are choices that the club will have to make. Regarding Ibra’s charisma and technical and human qualities, I certainly don’t need to be his sponsor. I don’t know what role Ibra will have, but Ibra loves Milan and will make the best decisions for the club.”