Stefano Pioli noted that a top four finish is just ‘the minimum objective’ for Milan ahead of their away clash with Atalanta.
The Rossoneri have started to shake off their poor domestic form, picking up back-to-back wins over Fiorentina and Frosinone, and now sit just six points behind league leaders Inter after 14 matches.
Pressure has started to mount on Pioli, but Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has maintained faith in the coach, who brought them the Scudetto just two years ago. Despite that, their disappointing Champions League campaign this term still leaves a bitter taste.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Pioli first discussed Milan’s position at this stage of their season and their next goals.
“There are still too many games left to make definitive rankings, but it is clear that consistency of results cannot be lacking and that is what we are looking for, it is our great objective.
“Another great opportunity tomorrow. The minimum objective is to finish in the top four, but we want to do something more.”
He was asked if Atalanta could secure a top four finish this season.
“I don’t know, always good games against them, difficult ones yes. Gasperini is doing a great job, they are a complete team, with quality and organisation, with physicality and intensity, with midfielders who score.”
The coach weighed in on Rossoneri loanee Charles De Ketelaere.
“I’m following him this week especially. He’s playing in a more offensive role, he has quality, last year helped him learn something, he’s a player with prospects. If he were to play, we’ll have to be very careful of him.”
He provided updates on Simon Kjaer and Rafael Leao.
“Today’s training was very important for Leao, he has reached good intensity peaks in the last two days, we will decide in the afternoon training. Kjaer has overcome his muscle problem, but he’s not ready yet.”
Pioli made it clear that Milan aren’t distracted by their coming clash with Newcastle.
“We are only thinking about tomorrow, there’s no problems in thinking about Newcastle already.”
He touched on the boost provided by the returning players.
“Certain moments happen in a season, the more players we have available, the better. Bennacer needs some time to regain his condition.”
He spoke about the qualities of Gian Piero Gasperini.
“Tactical coherence, he has always given a precise identity to his teams. I wouldn’t steal anything from him because each of us has our own ideas, but he is a colleague who I respect a lot.”
The Milan coach gave his thoughts on Luca Jovic.
“Jovic has quality and talent, he must be intense, in modern football certain characteristics cannot be lacking, I’m talking about mental intensity. If Luka has the ability to maintain this high level, he will be able to help.”
Pioli was asked about Rade Krunic, who has been increasingly linked with a move away in January.
“He doesn’t play like he used to because it’s a question of condition. Now he’s having a slight decline compared to the beginning and there are probably teammates who are better than him.”
He touched on the idea of deploying Theo Hernandez in a central role.
“In the build-up phase, having a left-footed player who can build up is important, but Tomori also did well in that position. But it’s clear that Theo in that position gives us different solutions.”
The Rossoneri coach was posed the idea of seeing Ismael Bennacer win the Ballon d’Or one day.
“I have no doubts about his qualities, he is of the highest level. It’s right that a player sets himself such important objectives and then proposes them in everyday life.
“He has a great personality. He must find his best condition. He had a trouble-free recovery, with great consistency. We look forward to it 100%.”
One reporter made a Batman reference to Pioli and asked if it was true at Milan – ‘You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain’.
“I’m neither a hero nor a victim, but I have responsibilities, burdens and honours as Milan coach.”
Pioli confirmed Noah Okafor wouldn’t be ready to face Atalanta.
“Okafor not for tomorrow, tomorrow he will do the tests and if it’s positive his return will be very close.”
He also noted that Bennacer could soon be back in the starting lineup.
“I don’t think it’ll take very long.”
The Milan coach was asked if three games a week was too many for the club.
“Our football has deep roots. I don’t think it’s so intense that it can’t handle three games a week. The aim was to be competitive in the league and in Europe, so we’ll try to achieve it with our ideas.”
He commented on the idea of playing Bennacer and Tijjani Reijnders together.
“I spoke with him about his position, we have clear ideas on where to use him. Then, in any case, between intelligent players it is not a problem to make them play together…”
Finally, Pioli revealed what motivated to use Hernandez in a more central role.
“The player’s value and belief that he can help the team in that position.”