Stefano Pioli expects a definitive response from his Milan squad in their upcoming Derby della Madonnina clash with Inter.
The Rossoneri have not started 2023 well and have slipped down to fifth in the league table, dropping points in draws with Roma and Lecce and losing to Lazio and Sassuolo.
Whispers of discontent are starting to emerge from the fanbase and some are already starting to suggest that Pioli’s cycle may have come to an end, less than a year after their Scudetto success.
Speaking in a press conference, Pioli first discussed what his Milan squad have been up to in training this week.
“We’ve prepared a game plan, given our last few games and the Supercoppa. We threw ourselves into the work with great determination and attention.”
He touched on the state of his squad after the slow start to the year.
“I’ve always thought and believed that you play on Sunday because of the way you train, but we haven’t been able to do that lately. This has been a very good week.”
The Rossoneri coach commented on how he plans to avoid a repeat of the Supercoppa Italiana final, which his team lost 3-0.
“It’s quite easy, in such important matches single moments can decide the match and in Riyad we conceded goals on three loose balls. We studied it and we’ll have to do better tomorrow.”
He was asked if there was a wide gap between his Milan and Simone Inzaghi’s Inter.
“Inter arrive better, they did better last year in the cups too. In the league we did better, and we still have the chance to prove we are better than them.”
Pioli discussed the various criticisms levied against his team.
“The criticism is not excessive, it’s all valid. Only mediocrities don’t admit certain mistakes, we can do much better and I can help the team in a different way.
“I told the players today that I remain convinced that I coach a special group, because in difficulties other players have other attitudes than the ones we have here at Milanello. My Milan is not finished, but we have to prove it.”
He spoke about Zlatan Ibrahimovic and why he was excluded from the Champions League squad.
“Zlatan has a tangible and strong importance. Yesterday he trained 10 minutes and the two games with Tottenham come soon and now we have no guarantees as to when he will be 100% to help the team.
“I wish with all my heart that he will return to his level…. Few would do what he is doing to come back after such an injury, enduring the pain and fatigue. Having no guarantees, I couldn’t make any other choice and I told him so days ago.”
He commented on the Rossoneri’s goals for this season, now that Napoli have one hand on the Scudetto.
“The Champions League finish is an important objective, it should not be taken for granted. Then you only have to look at the rankings in Europe to see that it’s Napoli who are doing something impressive.
“With the others we are there and, in any case, there is still the Champions League.”
The Milan coach was asked how his players were reacting to the slight injury crisis this season.
“In Dubai we had a few too many injuries and we needed to put fuel on the fire. Bennacer and Tomori had two small problems that weigh heavily now that we play so much. Then there is so much lack of quality and not physical condition in these negative results.”
Finally, Pioli discussed what he fears about Inzaghi’s Inter.
“We have great respect. We have worked to show who we are and return to victory.”