Stefano Pioli says Milan are ready for the start of the new Serie A season, but Charles De Ketelaere could start on the bench against Udinese tomorrow.
Serie A begins with the Serie A champions hosting Udinese at the Stadio Meazza on Saturday at 17.30 UK time.
“It’s a strong Milan, but the pitch will determine whether we are better or worse than last season,” the Italian coach said at a press conference. “I’ve seen the same spirit as the last season, it makes me be positive because I see improvements.”
Milan have signed Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge this summer, but the Belgian international may start on the bench tomorrow.
“If Brahim [Diaz] plays, it’s because I think he is better than the others for this game,” Pioli explained.
“He has more rhythm than the others at this moment. Charles has had a particular pre-season for the reasons we all know.”
Pioli can rely on full squad tomorrow, except for Sandro Tonali, who is recovering from an injury.
“The new signings in attack, Divock [Origi], Charles [De Ketelaere] and Yacine [Adli] give me positive feelings. They have interesting characteristics and we have completed the department.
“Everyone is available tomorrow, except Tonali. Origi seems a complete striker, he can attack the space and link up with his teammates. He is very smart, like Adli ande De Ketelaere. They need time to adapt, but I am happy with what they are showing.”
Who has impressed him during the pre-season?
“Messias, Rebic and Bennacer have been the most consistent. I’ve seen they are willing to work hard to prove they are up to the task. Football is evolving consistently. Udinese are a tough team and the only ones we didn’t beat last season, along with Juventus.”
Do Milan feel more pressure now that many see them as title favourites?
“We were never bothered by what people outside Milanello said,” Pioli claimed.
“We have a lot of competitions to show that we are competitive, there are many games, starting from tomorrow.
“We’ve worked really well for 40 days, we know what the difficulties are tomorrow. We face a physical team, we need to move the ball quickly and put in a great performance when we don’t have the ball. We need that unity that will helps us to play in their half.”
Does he expect more new signings before the end of the summer transfer window?
“I am very happy with the team, the players who have arrived and the club. If there will be a chance [to sign new players] we’ll be ready,” he said.
“The team is complete, but the market can offer solutions which we don’t even consider now. The directors are always ready and the club is available. If there’s a chance, we’ll make our moves.”
Aside from De Ketelaere, Milan also signed Origi on a free transfer from Liverpool and made Junior Messias and Alessandro Florenzi’s moves permanent, while Adli has returned from his spell at Bordeaux and Tommaso Pobega is back from Torino.
Is Pioli satisfied with the support from club directors?
“Paolo [Maldini], Ricky [Massara] and Ivan [Gazidis] always make us feel protected,” the coach said.
“I’ve spoken to Gerry Cardinale and Elliott, who wished us good luck for the new season.”
It’s San Siro not Giuseppe Meazza….
It definitely is Giuseppe Meazza. Well, both really.
Inter plays at the Meazza. Milan at San Siro. That’s just how it is.