Milan coach Stefano Pioli was happy following the win over Empoli and suggested that his side ‘need a better second half of the season than last year’s’ as they look to close the gap at the top.
The Rossoneri did well in their Sunday afternoon trip to Tuscany, taking home all three points against the Azzurri after goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Olivier Giroud and Chaka Traore, giving the team a winning start to the new year.
The result leaves Milan comfortably third in the Serie A table, six points clear of fourth place Fiorentina and nine points behind league leaders Inter.
Speaking first to DAZN via MilanNews after the match, Pioli first reacted to the 3-0 win over Empoli.
“We had to be careful throughout the match, we conceded something in the second half and for this reason I called my players back.
“We come from experiences where we were 2-0 up at the end of the first half and then dropped some points, but today the attitude was the right one. Definitely a positive performance.”
He looked ahead to the second half of the season and what needs to be done.
“We need a much better second half than last year’s second half… This year we definitely have to do better.
“We threw away some points, but now we want to go back to playing as we know how. We’re already thinking about the next game to score a lot of points.”
He was asked about the club’s recent negative spell.
“I think we have the negative period behind us. But it’s useless to think about what we could have done because there are still many games and many possibilities for this season to be positive too.
“We are growing, we are playing at a good level. Now we have Atalanta in the Coppa Italia, it’s a competition we care about, and we will give our best.”
The Milan coach commented on Theo Hernandez’s work in the centre of defence.
“Theo is very strong, equipped with intelligence on the pitch and physicality that few have in the world. He is applying himself with an intensity and attention as a central defender that at times he didn’t put on the pitch as a full-back.
“He is performing at the highest level. Today he didn’t miss a single interception and made several positive moves. I think it’s right to continue like this at this moment.”
Pioli spoke about Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s work in front of goal.
“He must score, he must fill the penalty area, he has timing, quality, technique. He must aim, not for double figures, but he must stay inside the penalty area, also scoring with his head, going one-on-one. But all our midfielders can score more goals.”
He was asked if it was easier to train veteran players compared to youngsters.
“It’s like this. The veterans used to train a bit on their own, while now the more experienced ones are the more professional ones, who lead by example, who are very intelligent. Young players sometimes want everything right away and aren’t so willing to sacrifice themselves to achieve something.
“Our people are here on merit, because they are good and very humble and available. It’s difficult to predict their career, but you have to give them time and the chance to make mistakes.
“But I want to say that an important group has formed, there are no old players and young players, but a group that works well together and wants to give its best every match.”
Pioli also discussed the match with Sky Sports Italia.
“It’s right to rely on the strongest players, all teams do it. Luckily, we have a lot of them. We had an excellent first half, we were good at making it easier than it could’ve been.
“Let’s not look too far ahead, we’re just thinking about the next match. Then we’ll see if we’ve overcome the difficult period.”
He touched on the quality in his squad.
“I see my players every day and in difficult periods you can see if there is someone who gives up. We are all united, we help each other, and I am proud of the squad we have.”
The Milan coach was asked about the club’s position in the Serie A table.
“We only think about winning matches. We had a slightly better first half than last year. There are still many matches. We only have to think about winning and scoring points.”
Pioli spoke about the growth of Yacine Adli.
“I told him that he played the most complete game this year. He was very attentive. He changed roles a few months ago and is doing it with application. With this mentality he can carve out an important place.”
He again commented on Theo Hernandez’s adaption to the centre of defence.
“He’s putting in a great performance. Today he was impeccable from a defensive point of view, and he was very good in the build-up phase.
“It’s true that we’re losing a bit of his forward drive, but we have Leao and it’s not bad to leave him space for one-on-ones. It’s an important week, we started well, but we have two more important matches.”
The Rossoneri coach explained his decision to deploy teenager Alex Jimenez.
“Jimenez is a boy with great perspective, he has great personality. Every now and then he exaggerates with the ball at his feet, but it’s nice to see such an enterprising young man.
“And then Theo is doing very well as a central defender, I wanted to maintain certain balances. Jimenez suffered a bit after the booking, but the young players must have the chance to make mistakes.”
Pioli reflected on Milan’s recent work on the pitch.
“We are doing a great job. The players have always given me great availability, and this allows me to try new solutions. We prepare the matches to have advantages over our opponents. I am proud of their availability.”
The Italian coach then spoke about the game to MilanTV.
“Today we approached it very well, we made it easier by playing an excellent first half. In the second half we conceded something but with the desire to look for the third goal.
“We are regaining rhythm and solidity, but we have to think about the next match and not about the past or too far ahead. In the Coppa Italia we will play against a difficult opponent, but we will try to move forward.”
He touched on the team’s approach heading into the match.
“The preparation for the match and the mental attitude are positive, but we also have to be careful in the second half.”
Pioli discussed his tactical instructions for the attacking midfielders.
“Wanted to play with three players who were narrower and inside the pitch to find more space between the lines.
“Rafa would have liked to stay further inside, but he does the opposite when you tell him something! It’s an advantage for us and a disadvantage for our opponents.”
Finally, Pioli commented on the condition of Alessandro Florenzi and the team’s defensive work.
“Florenzi had some discomfort in his adductor, muscle but he says he stopped in time. When things are going well, I don’t talk to the players, I see Theo happy.
“Gabbia gives us more space. What Theo is giving us at the moment is very positive, we have discovered that he can play in two very useful positions and his performance has not dropped and in fact, perhaps he has even improved.”