After two defeats against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan is seeking redemption in Naples. Stefano Pioli : “We didn’t achieve what we wanted, but tomorrow is an opportunity to prove that we are better”
Under the leadership of Stefano Pioli, AC MIlan is seeking redemption after two consecutive defeats against Juventus in Serie A and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The match against Napoli, valid for the tenth Serie A round, presents an opportunity for the Rossoneri to bounce back.
Coach Stefano Pioli stated, “We know that, for the first time this season, we are coming off two consecutive losses in two direct clashes, and tomorrow there will be another one. We have the desire to change the situation and we should demonstrate it on the field, staying focused for 95 minutes.”
“The next game is always a chance, both in sports and in life. What has happened matters little; you have to live in the present, and the next game you face is the most important. We didn’t achieve what we wanted in the first two matches, so tomorrow is an opportunity to prove that we are better.“
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
What AC Milan’s goal this season?
“This is an ambitious club that thinks big: our goal is to win the league.”
Resources in attack?
“We are working on it, for sure. We are not lacking chances, but at the moment we can’t find the final pass, the finishing, and filling the box.”
What do you think of Rudi Garcia?
“Garcia is an excellent coach who trains an excellent team. It was normal for him to have difficulties at the beginning, but now Napoli is playing well. They are missing Osimhen, but last year they only lost to us.”
You already have stopped Kvara in the past, how do you prepare this time?
“It should be given great consideration; in one-on-one situations, he can really hurt us, and that situation needs to be monitored.
Are you missing more goals from the midfield?
“Reijnders can do better, both in assists and finishing. Against PSG, we recovered more balls than they did, but we failed with the final pass. We can’t change results that are gone, but by doing things with more quality we can improve our future.”
How is Loftus-Cheek?
“He is important for his physicality. Even without him, we can be effective. He has recovered from the calf injury but is currently dealing with a pubic inflammation. He’s getting better every day. He could be back for the next game, but he won’t be available tomorrow.”
Are there things that need improvement in defense?
“Yes, we have worked on it in these days as well. Being aggressive doesn’t mean being exposed and accepting one-on-one situations all the time, but we need to be more reflective when the ball is not covered.”
Is Theo Hernandez less decisive than last year?
“In my opinion, we are developing a slightly different offensive phase on the left, so it’s natural that he is a bit less explosive on the wing. He knows he’s incredibly talented and needs to raise his level. To compete with the best teams in Europe we need to raise our level. Theo is one of those players who can help us reach those heights”
What has changed between Spalletti and Garcia?
“In the defensive phase, not much has changed: they stil play a 4-4-2 formation. When they are with the ball, they prefer possession and controlling the game; it’s difficult to see significant differences from the past season. Perhaps Raspadori can connect the play more, and Simeone is better at attacking the box.”
Between Krunic and Adli?
“It’s natural that this competition has arisen because they play the same position. One plays, and the other sits on the bench. Both of them are performing well in that position with different characteristics. I am pleased with their performances and how they are interpreting their roles.”
Could we return to the 4-2-3-1 formation?
“In the defensive phase, we often play in a 4-2-3-1, and we will do the same tomorrow. Then, in possession, we take up different positions. But it also depends on the matches, opponents, and performances that make us change.”
