The Rossoneri coach also spoke about Ibra’s visit today: “A positive presence, he spoke individually with the guys.”
After getting beat up by Inter this weekend with five goals conceded Pioli recalled the derby: “It wasn’t easy, there’s no point in beating around the bush, we had high expectations and confidence; it was a strong disappointment. But luckily, we have the Champions League to ‘switch,’ even though we know how tough our group is.
You have no idea how much this situation imapcts me; if I could go to every single fan and explain it to them, I would. However, in relationships of love and affection, attitudes matter more than words.”
“I’ve had many happy moments at Milan, as well as some difficult ones. I feel the weight of these derby defeats deeply, but I know I’m coaching a strong team and a united group.
I am indebted to the fans; last year, when we were really playing poorly, they always supported us. And I am also indebted for the five derbies lost in 2023. We will give our best because I want this season to be positive.”
A special guest at Milanello today was Zlatan Ibrahimovic who visited the team just hours after the setback against Inter. “Zlatan was supposed to come on Friday, on the eve of the derby, but he had a sudden commitment and came today. I was pleased; we know how much he cares about us and how important he has been to our journey.
I am a fortunate coach to have trained him; his presence is positive and pleased everyone. Maybe I’ll see him for dinner as well; I’m no longer his coach now.” He talked to the guys, but I believe it was more of an individual approach, not a collective speech. With me? We talked about many things; he asked for information about the new players. And then, we also talked about our private lifes.”
Except Ibra, another big return tomorrow to Milan is expected tomorrow, that of Sandro Tonali about who Pioli says, “It will be very exciting to meet Tonali again; I will embrace him with great affection. We won together and grew together. We wish him the best, of course, except in tormorrow’s game.
Ours is a tough but balanced group, with PSG starting as a facorite. The experience we gained in the Champions League allows us to approach the group with confidence, knowing that we have the qualities to advance.”
