Stefano Pioli insists Milan don’t think about the last four derbies they lost ‘otherwise we could talk about the Serie A title we won, contrary to Inter‘ and claims the Rossoneri want to ‘keep the ball more’ this season.
The Rossoneri boss addressed the media at a press conference on Friday. Tomorrow, Saturday, September 16, they have the first derby of the campaign against Inter.
“Surely, we’ve both started well and we want to continue,” Pioli said as quoted by Milannews.
“I was curious before the first game of the season, now I am convinced about how the team has prepared for this match. We have studied all the details.”
The Rossoneri lost the last four meetings against their city rivals, but Pioli seemed not bothered.
“I don’t care about the last derbies, I only care about tomorrow,” he claimed.
“Otherwise, we could talk about the title we won, contrary to Inter. The only thing that matters is putting the best solution for our playing style into practice.
“The next game is an opportunity to prove our quality. That’s what my players must think. The pitch will say if we are stronger. It’s just the beginning but I like the way we are working.
“Tomorrow we’ll be stronger when we leave the pitch because we’ll know good things and what we must work on.”
Rafa Leao was not fully fit when Inter met Milan in the Champions League semi-final last season, so what does Pioli expect from the Portuguese star?
“He has improved a lot and is becoming a decisive player. He must be as such tomorrow too,” said the Rossoneri coach.
Leao didn’t score during the break and the same is true of Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman has been dealing with a slight ankle injury but is still expected to start against Inter.
“Hopefully, we have kept the goals for tomorrow,” joked Pioli.
“Inter played on a par with Manchester City, but we must be better than them.”
Asked whether Giroud can replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic with his personality, Pioli replied: “There is just one Ibra. The team has improved and of course, there are players with a big personality like Giroud. Luckily our path has allowed young players to improve.”
Pierre Kalulu is injured while Fikayo Tomori is suspended, so Pioli was asked if Milan’s identity will change with Simon Kjaer starting at centre-back.
“It doesn’t change, why should it change?” the coach asked.
Pioli added that Mattia Caldara could also remain out of action for some time, while Marco Pellegrino could be a backup for Theo.
“Caldara has an ankle problem and I think he won’t be available for long.
“Marco is an aggressive and disciplined defender. He needs time to adapt as he used to play in a three-man defence. He can also play as a left-back.
“I must manage my players in the best way. We’ll play many games in 21 days. We think about the derby now, from Sunday we’ll focus on Newcastle,” continued Pioli.
“We want to manage the game and understand the different moments of each match. We want to dominate more, so we need to keep the ball more.”