The Rossoneri coach ahead of tomorrow’s match: “It’s going to be a game for the Scudetto. In goal, Mirante, we have full confidence in him.”
The AC Milan coach who just turned 58 yesterday, was in a positive mood ahead of tomorrows derby match against Juventus:
“The international break allowed us to put the great emotions of the Genoa match behind us, and for my birthday, the guys surprised me. I like it when we get emotional about sharing something; these things make us even more united. It’s about how you live and interpret the work, in fact, that’s what’s important.”
JUVENTUS
Asked if he believes in the victory tomorrow the coach added: “The victory wouldn’t only be important because it would send Juventus seven points behind; It would be more important for us because if you win against Juventus, it means that there was a strong performance behind it, and this would be important for our self-confidence. Nevertheless this remains a scudetto race match since both teams have that as their goal.”
For the match against Juventus Pioli has to do without his first and second goalkeeper with Maignan being suspended and Sportiello injured. The coach expressed great confidence in the third goalkeeper Mirante, saying: “We all trust him here, he is an experienced and reliable goalkeeper, and he is highly regarded by his teammates for his technical and moral qualities. He is ready to give his best in the game.
THE BETTING SCANDAL
The Milan coach was then asked about the betting scandal, to which Pioli reflected: “We are surprised and in shock about this situation. Our thoughts go to for Tonali, I don’t want to judge him for what he may have done. I’d like to judge him for how he will manage to overcome this moment, for the determination he will show in turning this negative situation into something positive for himself. Something that might become an example. If I loved Sandro ‘ten’ before, now I love him ‘a hundred’; he knows that I’m always by his side at any moment, and I’ll try to help him.“
ADLI AND HIS 4 YEARS WITH MILAN
When asked about Yacine Adli, the coach was full of praises: “I saw him chanting with the fans, and I like it when players identify with the club like that. He’s an artist in life too, he plays music and sings, he has delighted us off the field, now he has started doing it on the field as well.”
“He is really intelligent, but he should take fewer risks when he has the ball. At the same time, he provides important passes. He needs to understand that his position is crucial in both phases of the game. He still has a lot of room for growth. He has a bright future ahead.”
Finally, after 4 years with the team he reflects on his own journey with Milan: “I’m feeling a lot of emotions, I am proud to work with such great players. This club that has always supported me in difficult times, and an unparalleled fan base.”
