Stefano Pioli believes Milan and Juventus go into tomorrow’s Coppa Italia semi-final ‘on equal footing’ and is only thinking about ‘giving my best’ right now.
Milan held Juve to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their semi-final before the coronavirus lockdown, although the Bianconeri have an away goal to their credit.
“Playing again is the most important thing and we have to do it safely,” Pioli said at a press conference.
Stefano Pioli believes Milan and Juventus go into tomorrow’s Coppa Italia semi-final ‘on equal footing’ and is only thinking about ‘giving my best’ right now.
Milan held Juve to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their semi-final before the coronavirus lockdown, although the Bianconeri have an away goal to their credit.
“Playing again is the most important thing and we have to do it safely,” Pioli said at a press conference.
“Here at Milan, we’ve always been careful. We’ve taken the necessary precautions. We’ve always supported the restart: having no fans is hugely damaging, but it’s the lesser of the two evils. This is the only way.
“I wilfully pulled myself away from football, leaving everyone to their own devices for two weeks.
“After that, I rekindled everyone’s motivations and objectives, keeping in touch with the staff and players.
“This is all new for everyone: we’ll be playing in high temperatures so we’ll have to be careful, taking care of every nook and cranny, especially recovery and nutrition, to limit the risks involved.
“After not playing for so long, conditions and even pecking orders change. The calendar’s tight and we’ll be playing every three days, but everyone will be needed.
“The lads are working well, even if no-one’s at 100 percent. Lucas [Biglia] is one of those who look the best.
The former Inter boss was then asked about his future, amidst speculation he will make way for RB Leipzig chief Ralf Rangnick.
“In the past, I barely knew where my future lay with 14 games to go. I’m clear on my objective: to give my best and extract the most from this season.
“It was needed. When we talk to each other, we tackle different issues. It’s important, even with differences in opinion.
“The objective is to get Milan back into Europe, through the league or cup. The cup comes first, so that’s what we’re focused on.
“I always tell the players that the badge we have on our chests, not the names on our backs, is what matters the most.”
Another who has been linked with a summer exit from San Siro is Ismael Bennacer after a breakthrough season in Rossonero.
“He’s shown great ability. He has quality but, given his age and position, he has room for improvement.
“He’s a generous lad and a hard worker. He’ll keep growing if he maintains this attitude.”
Matches between the two clubs this season have been close contests, as the 54-year-old pointed out.
“We’ve faced Juventus twice this season, it was difficult for them and for us on both occasions.
“I must say that we left the field with some regrets. If we found the right thrust in the first two games, we absolutely have to find it now.
“We both start on equal footing. We have the disadvantage of previous results but the quality to play our game.
“Both as a player and as a coach, playing at a stadium that cheers against you has always given me motivation, but it helps the other team too.
“We’ll have to adapt immediately. We paid the price in the league at San Siro against Genoa, so we have to draw a lesson from that.
“We’re lucky enough to resume our season. We must do so with passion and enthusiasm so we can entertain our fans, who will support us from home at a delicate time in our lives.
“Going through would give us all great satisfaction. We’ll try, we have great desire.”