Stefano Pioli is ‘satisfied’ with Milan‘s summer signings but admits more new faces could join the team in the last ten days of the transfer window.
The Rossoneri make their 2023-24 Serie A debut away at Bologna on Monday and Pioli addressed the media at a press conference on Sunday.
Milan have sold Sandro Tonali to Newcastle signing eight new players, but one more new signing is around the corner as the Serie A giants have reportedly reached an agreement for Platense defender Marco Pellegrino.
“Surely, club directors have followed my advice regarding players’ characteristics and roles to have more options available,” Pioli said as quoted by Milannews.
“I am satisfied. There are still ten days to go and we are keeping an eye on every situation, but we are only focused on tomorrow’s game.
“We should not forget that we’ve changed 20 players considering new signings and departures,” the coach continued.
“A new season begins and we are ambitious because we’ve signed strong players.”
The Rossoneri may also sign a new centre forward before the end of the summer transfer window.
“Anything can happen, but we could also remain like this,” claimed Pioli.
“I am happy with what [Noah] Okafor has shown in that position, [Lorenzo] Colombo has also developed and deserves playing time.”
The ex-Lecce loanee has emerged as a top transfer target for Monza and will join the Brianzoli on loan if Milan sign a new striker.
“Okafor is in good shape but is not 100% fit,” added Pioli.
“Yunus Musah and Samuel Chukwueze have had a tricky summer. They wanted to join Milan and didn’t train intensively [before joining]. However, they won’t take long to get in shape.
“It’s important to start well, but tomorrow’s result won’t determine our path anyway. It’s not a new Milan, we thought we needed to change and renew some positions to be even more competitive.”
There are concerns among some fans and media that the Rossoneri do not have enough Italians so Pioli may struggle to build the team’s identity.
“It’s bizarre to talk about Italian and foreign players in 2023, Milan have always relied on inclusivity, even our third kit has this objective,” argued the coach.
“Milan must have strong players to be competitive in every competition.”
On the other hand, there is excitement to see Rafa Leao and Olivier Giroud play with Christian Pulisic and Chukwueze, but will they all start against Bologna?
“There are two factors, their shape and availability to sacrifice for the team, I want to try,” said Pioli.
The Italian tactician was then asked his favourite for the Serie A title but didn’t name any specific club.
“Obviously, I watched the first games of the season yesterday. Football is evolving and Italian coaches are always ready to change things, so it will be challenging to find new strategies in each game. I think we’ll change something too. I think four or five clubs will fight for the top four spots.”
Milan have changed massively in the middle of the park having welcomed Tijjani Reijnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Musah during the summer while Ismael Bennacer will remain out of action for several months with a knee injury.
“Bennacer continues the rehab. I tried Rade Krunic and Yacine Adli as deep-lying playmakers and they’ve done well,” argued the Rossoneri boss.
“Reijnders could play there too, but he’d need to be more defensive and limit his late runs. Right now, Krunic prefers playing as a deep-lying playmaker. He is a smart player and his position allows Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders to have more freedom.
“Adli is motivated even if he didn’t play much in the past. He has to work but he can also play as a mezzala.”
Lastly, Pioli spoke about Carlo Mazzone: “Unfortunately, I never met him as a coach, but he was an example of passion, seriousness, and competence. He was able to enter his players’ minds, I send my condolences to his family.”