Stefano Pioli concedes Milan deserved criticism after their 0-0 draw against Cremonese and admits Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return date is still uncertain.
The Rossoneri meet Fiorentina at the Stadio Meazza on Sunday in the final match of the year in Serie A.
What would it mean to win tomorrow?
“That we haven’t given up on a table we don’t like. We must have the awareness that the season is still long: 24 games are remaining, the year 2022 was positive, but we should not stop now,” Pioli said at a press conference, as quoted by Milannews.
“We come from a bad performance and want to end the year with something different.”
The Rossoneri collected a 0-0 draw away at Cremonese on Tuesday and want to end the year with a victory.
“The mental aspect makes the difference, I believe that my team has the experience to identify every episode in a game. We must recognise the moments in a game and be prepared for anything. That’s the mentality I want to see tomorrow,” said Pioli.
“We respect Fiorentina but we must remain focused on ourselves, we know Fiorentina, but we can only determine our performance. When we do it, we often take a result home.”
The defending Serie A champions are currently eight points behind table leaders Napoli who face Udinese at the Stadio Maradona today (Click here to follow the match on the LIVEBLOG).
“It would be wrong to focus on opponents, we must earn many points. We are running behind nobody, and we must give our best,” admitted Pioli.
“Compared to last season, we obtained more points at home but fewer away. We scored and conceded fewer goals. The original sin was not to win Tuesday’s match.”
Milan’s new signings have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, having failed to give their contribution in the first part of the campaign. However, Pioli defended his players.
“I believe my attitude and way of being were positive and constructive. The negativity from the outside does not concern us. It was normal to give time to those who had to settle in a new environment.
“We are accustomed to asking and giving help, if we share our resources, we can help everyone settle in and make them ready to play for Milan.”
The Diavoli will train in Dubai during the World Cup break; what’s their plan for Qatar 2022?
“It’s all about motivations. Tomorrow I will wish good luck to those going to the World Cup and those not involved will have even more motivation.
“We have an organised program, with many groups of work. The management of those going to the World Cup is subjective, then there is a group of injured players and other situations that we have to develop individually. On December 10, we’ll gather to go to Dubai.
“Ibra is expected to join us [in Dubai], but it’s early to say if he will be available against Salernitana. He will increase the workload and the program will develop day by day.
“Zlatan is a question mark, but I hope the others will be back after the break. January is a crucial month, there will be the Supercup clash with Inter, so we must be ready
“Maignan is feeling better, but he is not ready to play.”
What does he expect from Charles De Ketelaere at the World Cup?
“It’s hard to predict, I think that playing at the World Cup is the best thing ever for any player. I hope he will do well and return with motivation and optimism.”
The Rossoneri confirmed on Tuesday that Giorgio Furlani would replace Ivan Gazidis as the club’s CEO from December.
“I wish Ivan the best in his personal and professional life. We know Giorgio and will give continuity to the club’s path. I spoke to him, and I think he will come to Milanello soon,” said Pioli.
“This is still a strong Milan, but we have to prove whether we are better or worse than last season. It’s not the right time to make assessments. Only those who surrender fail and we don’t want to do it.”