Stefano Pioli claims Milan need ‘quality players’ and insists Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu ‘gave their best’ before leaving the club.
The Rossoneri begin their pre-season today and Pioli held a press conference before the first training session of the season.
“I enjoyed holidays, but only for a few days, we’ve started programming the future immediately. We are happy about the last season, but it’s time to focus on the new one. It will be nice to see all the players again,” Pioli said.
“There could be some tactical changes, it’s better to be unpredictable without forgetting our characteristics.
“The club want to build a competitive team, we want to continue on the same path as the last year and a half. We need to raise the level, I’d like to work with the entire team already, but I know it’s not possible. I want to give my best to have a competitive Milan.”
Many Milan players have been involved in the Euros, so they are currently on holiday. But the likes of Theo Hernandez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Fikayo Tomori and Alessio Romagnoli have already arrived at Milanello.
Video: Milan players arrive at Milanello as pre-season begins
“We want to return to normal with the fans at the stadium, there are seven strong teams in Italy and we want to be a surprise in Europe,” the coach continued.
“We want to confirm ourselves at a high level, there’s little time to talk, the pitch must do the talking. We aim to improve, we must have a fire burning inside to beat our opponents. It will be a nice season with many top teams and coaches, I am sorry for Antonio Conte, level would have been even higher with him.”
Franck Kessié is not among those training with the team as the Ivory Coast midfielder has been included in his national team’s Olympic team so he’ll miss the pre-season with the Diavoli.
His contract with Milan expires in June 2022 and the Rossoneri are in talks to extend his stay at the club, so he doesn’t leave for free at the end of his contract, like Donnarumma and Calhanoglu.
“Franck has improved a lot, but he can do even more. He is happy at Milan and we all know how important he is. I’ve spoken to him and he is very motivated,” Pioli said.
“I am strictly linked to last season’s players. Gigio and Calha gave their best all until the end, but I am convinced now there is a motivated group here. The transfer window is still very long, we need quality players to go far.”
The Rossoneri have signed Mike Maignan from Lille to replace the Italy goalkeeper who is set to join PSG.
“I’ve spoken many times with Maignan, now he needs to rest, he will be ready when he arrives,” the 55-year-old claimed.
Alessio Romagnoli will remain the team’s captain but many Milan fans had suggested giving the armband to Simon Kjaer after his life-saving aid on Christian Eriksen at the Euros.
Romagnoli’s contract also expires in June 2022 and he is not a regular starter anymore given that Fikayo Tomori has completed a permanent move from Chelsea.
“Tomoari had proved to have important characteristics, he has a great mentality and always gives his best. The club made a great effort in confirming an important player,” Pioli said.
“Romagnoli will be the captain, but a team must have more than one. We’ll decide the vice-captains together, I have a team with a great sense of belonging.
“I’ve always spoken to Simon [Kjaer] too. He lived a particular situation, many were surprised by his clear presence of mind. I’ll speak again to him these days, he needs to rest after a great European Championship.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Davide Calabria have joined the team but are still dealing with injuries. Therefore they won’t train today.
“I’ve spoken to Ibra almost every day. He is feeling well, he needs a few weeks to return to running,” Pioli revealed.
“Calabria underwent medical examinations yesterday, he is still not ready, but he will soon join the group. Bennacer is ready to join us.”