Stefano Pioli was feeling confident ahead of Milan’s match against Bologna tomorrow, feeling that their preparations have gone ‘the best possible way.’
The Rossoneri are currently top of the league table and they’re looking to further tighten their grip on the Scudetto with a victory over the Rossoblu tomorrow evening. Their title rivals Napoli and Inter both have difficult games this weekend (Atalanta and Juventus respectively), so Pioli’s side cannot afford to drop points to Bologna.
Speaking in a press conference today, Pioli first discussed the boost brought by the fans’ support.
“It’s an extra source of energy, that’s what we want, that’s what we want to hear. The energy of our fans must give us the desire to play the game to the best of our ability.”
He spoke about the return of Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic’s illness.
“I’m sorry I can’t face Sinisa with him being here, but I’m sure I’ll see him again soon because he’s shown he can fly over difficulties, these are also the characteristics of his team. I saw the video call, we expect a very prepared opponent.”
The Milan coach touched on if the atmosphere was different now in the squad.
“Tomori is right, we’re living this moment with a positive tension that is an honour and a pleasure to live, which must make us give our best while having fun, it’s only by having fun that we can do well.”
Pioli did not think that this was the most important moment of his career.
“I’m convinced it’s yet to come and I’m working to get there as soon as possible, to do that we’ve prepared the game in the best possible way.
“Those who left during the break will want to redeem themselves. I’ve found them all well, physically they’re all fine. The choices will be tactical. Ibra is living with his aches and pains, but he’s fine.”
He was not concerned that the international break may have upset their momentum.
“No. I think the difficult games that every team has to face can do that. We will face teams with great motivation and values. We didn’t have any problems during the break, on the contrary, everyone is healthy again. We’ll have to put in a high-level performance.”
The Rossoneri coach commented on how much credit he deserves for Milan’s position in the league table.
“Let’s finish the season and then see where we are. It’s clear that we don’t want to back down and we’ll face the last few days with great strength and energy. Then we’ll draw conclusions. If the work is positive, the credit goes to the whole environment.”
Pioli spoke about the upcoming Derby d’Italia.
“I will definitely watch it, but very detachedly because it’s what we do tomorrow that counts and not so much what the others do.”
He touched on if he’ll start Brahim Diaz or Franck Kessie in the match against Bologna.
“I only have one doubt in midfield, but I’m calm. Everyone thinks they deserve to play. The starters will be very important, but also whoever comes in afterwards.”
He discussed if Theo Hernandez could be deployed in a more advanced position.
“I’ve followed all the games of our national teams. Giroud is very well, he scored important goals and I am happy for him. Theo, since playing with France, has adopted the 3-man defence, he has become a complete and reliable player.”
The Milan coach commented on what kind of match he expects against Bologna.
“I expect an aggressive Bologna with fast attacking players, wait-and-see is not one of their characteristics. We’ve studied their positions well, on the three-quarter line they switch often, so I’ll choose men with the right characteristics to win the game.”
He did not want his team to be affected by today’s results.
“No, it must not. What matters is trying to win our match and we know how to do that.”
Finally, Pioli spoke about the importance of feeling fear.
“Those who are most afraid of losing are the champions, because that’s how you prepare better to win games. I know I have a responsible team that is doing everything to keep our performance level up.”
#Milan, #Pioli: '#Ibrahimovic sta bene, guarderò #JuveInter con distacco. #Mihajlovic? Supererà anche questa sfida' https://t.co/QlHynbxl3T pic.twitter.com/nmT4ulpTGz
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