Stefano Pioli highlighted the need to score as many points as possible ahead of Milan’s clash against Sampdoria tomorrow.
The Rossoneri currently sit one point behind league leaders and intercity rivals Inter following last week’s derby victory, and they have a chance of taking top spot in the league table this weekend, should the Nerazzurri draw with Napoli this evening.
Speaking in a press conference today, Pioli first discussed Theo Hernandez’s contract renewal, which ties the Frenchman to the club until 2026.
“I think it’s a great sign for a club that has a vision for the present and the future. It’s a very important sign for the whole environment, having players who feel this need, who have this sense of belonging, and a club that has this desire to plan between the present and the future, means that the path can give stability to a club that wants to return to the highest levels.”
He touched on the turning point following the win in the derby.
“There has never been any pessimism at Milanello, we have always worked with confidence. The strength of the squad is to continue to do it when the results don’t come, it’s easy to do it when you win games.
“We continue to think from game to game, we are clearly satisfied with the last two games. Now all that counts is tomorrow’s game and there is great concentration.”
The Italian coach provided an update on the physical condition of Swedish veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Zlatan is still training separately, we have to wait a little longer.”
Pioli commented on the recent strong form of French forward Olivier Giroud, who scored both goals in the derby last weekend and two against Lazio in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.
“Now Olivier is fine physically and mentally, the important thing is that the team continues to play an offensive game. In this case this number is a case in point.”
The Rossoneri coach highlighted the strong maturity of his squad this season and their growth.
“I’m convinced that, beyond the results of the others and our match tomorrow, the team is much more aware and mature compared to one or two years ago. But that’s normal.
“It’s a very young team, they’ve had experience and they’ve grown. The guys know that from now until the end of the season every game will have an important specific weight. But what counts is only tomorrow.”
He touched on the difference in results between home and away games.
“For our way of playing I would expect a more balanced balance, but this is not the case. This should motivate us and stimulate us more to improve our home results. We have to use the energy that our fans give us.”
Pioli was impressed with the team’s sustainability work.
“I think our club is heading in that direction and it’s a necessary, logical and right direction, especially for the moment that the whole club is going through.”
The former Fiorentina coach spoke about what is needed to win now.
“There are fifteen games left and that’s a lot. We have to think about scoring as many points as possible. At the moment there is a narrow gap between winning and not winning, the details will make the difference.
“Tomorrow we have a difficult game, we face an opponent who won 4-0 against Sassuolo on Sunday. If we put in a good performance we have a chance of winning.”
He touched on the difficult schedule in front of the Rossoneri.
“We have to face them with conviction and confidence. We have to play every game to the maximum, knowing that most of the time the result depends on us.”
Pioli spoke about the growth of a number of his players.
“Everyone will give their contribution to ensure that the team expresses itself at the highest level. We have to push as hard as we can and all the players are available to try and make that contribution to the team.”
He commented on if Rafael Leao will receive a new contract soon following the complement of Theo Hernandez’s deal.
“I see players motivated in every way, we have managed to create a positive and professional environment. I think it’s very important to see the players happy.”
Finally, Pioli discussed midfielder Franck Kessie, whose contract expires with the club at the end of this season.
“Franck is a regular at AC Milan, as are Tonali, Bennacer, Krunic and many other players. The other night against Milinkovic he played a super game, I asked him to make sacrifices against Inter and he did. I’m convinced of Franck’s moral and technical qualities, he has to continue like this.”
#Milan, #Pioli: '#Ibra out, convinto delle qualità morali e tecniche di #Kessie. Segnale importante il rinnovo di #TheoHernandez' https://t.co/6vpMOPSihE pic.twitter.com/yMYNaHVR36
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) February 12, 2022