Stefano Pioli warns Parma can trouble Milan, won’t rush Zlatan Ibrahimovic and assures the Rossoneri are ‘more convinced than ever we can do even more.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Stefano Pioli warns Parma can trouble Milan, won’t rush Zlatan Ibrahimovic and assures the Rossoneri are ‘more convinced than ever we can do even more.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Parma are a good team and they have characteristics that can cause us problems, so we have to be on our toes when we’ve got the ball and not feel rushed into forcing our way through their defence,” said the coach in his press conference.
The Rossoneri have been doing remarkably well in Serie A and the Europa League even after Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Simon Kjaer injuries.
“They are undergoing treatment and are targeting a comeback on Wednesday, but we mustn’t risk making mistakes here. There is no rush.
“Our style of football hasn’t changed that much without Ibra, every player has his own characteristics. Rafael Leao has more freedom, Ante Rebic has always been good at attacking the space, while Ibra ties everything together.
“Leao seems at time to be ambling about with no real purpose, whereas he ought to try to play as if he’s in the courtyard in front of his house, always trying to score a goal and enjoy his football.”
Pioli is also in no rush to call Milan Scudetto contenders, even though they are unbeaten and five points clear at the top of the table.
“I am not being prudent, I am simply evaluating the various squads. We are strong too and we’re showing that, but I think we shouldn’t change our attitude, which is to take it one game at a time.
“The strength of this Milan is that we analyse victories the same way as we do defeats, always seeking which aspects we can improve. Our sense of responsibility, hunger and courage continues to grow.
“Too often the media ask about the turning point, but it’s a gradual process that really makes you believe in yourself. Every game, even the bad ones, allowed us to reach this level.
“We are more convinced than ever that we can do even more, without settling.”