The Rossoneri coach ahead of the match against Mazzarri’s Azzurri: “Maignan’s critics? He either wins or learns.”
After the win against Frosinone, Milan must face Napoli to continue putting pressure on Juventus and Inter and solidify their position in the Champions League zone. In the first leg, the big match ended 2-2 with Giroud scoring twice, countered by goals from Politano and Raspadori. This time, Stefano Pioli aims for a full haul to further distance themselves from Mazzarri’s Napoli, especially on the day he matches Arrigo Sacchi’s 220 appearances on the Rossoneri bench.
PIOLI’S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
What do you think about Mazzarri’s Napoli:
“The team’s qualities remain unchanged despite Napoli’s position in the standings. Napoli’s numbers are significant. With Mazzarri, something has changed because he also used a three-man defense. They have quality and must be approached with respect and attention. Winning two Serie A titles in a row in Italy is achieved by few. However, Napoli are not far from fourth place. They have tremendous attacking players and physicality.”
Five matches in fifteen days:
“We’re thinking one game at a time. The future is tomorrow. Then we’ll think about Rennes. Now it’s crucial to focus on the league and overcome a tough opponent like Napoli.”
Midfield maneuvers and Bennacer:
“The midfield is always the most important area. Both teams tomorrow will have great quality in attack and that could be decisive. Bennacer is doing well and is available to start.”
Maignan’s uncertainties:
“As a group, we’re not concerned about criticisms. We’re already strict enough with ourselves to give our best. Maignan never loses. He either wins or learns, and he will emerge stronger from this situation.”
In what condition is the team:
“We’re in good shape and have trained well. The condition is top-notch. We’ve recovered well physically and mentally. We’re in good shape for this busy period.”
Blue card:
“I’m not a fan of interruptions; I prefer the rhythm, and I believe this solution could further disrupt the game. I’m not in favor.”
De Ketelaere’s flop at Milan:
“He was used as an attacking midfielder because he has those characteristics and was needed there at Milan. He’s doing very well in Bergamo after a year of experience in which he has grown.”
Injury recoveries:
“The recoveries are all going very well, but they need to be analyzed week by week. Malick (Thiaw) forced himself to be available, today he was fully involved in the group, but tomorrow he won’t be called up; he should be available for the Europa League game. Kalulu and Tomori will be important next week.”
Matching Sacchi’s appearances on the Milan bench:
“Sacchi was an innovator, one of the best Italian coaches. Matching him in the history of football and Milan makes me proud and satisfied.”
The coach’s work:
“I do what I love. Football is my passion. I’ve been fortunate to have a good career both as a player and as a coach. When you have so much responsibility, there is pressure, expectations, and criticisms. But that’s part of the game. I love working with my players. I like working, improving players, and getting to know them. Relationships matter a lot to me. I’ve always been fortunate to coach a group of special people. That’s very gratifying. Then on Sunday, of course, there’s the match, and Milan must win.”
Jovic alongside Giroud?
“Jovic is a reality of this team and is fully integrated into the project. He’s an important player and can start. Can he play alongside Giroud? We’ll see… The important thing is that the players are fit and strong
The fans’ affection:
“To regain the affection of Milan fans, we must win all the matches.”
One more goal than the opponents:
“We are a team inclined to attack. We are more inclined to offensive play, both because of the players’ characteristics and my ideas of the game. There have been times when we have been less solid, but we need to polish certain details in the defensive phase.”
The defensive phase:
“I played in midfield, then I played as a center-back, starting to mark Trevor Francis, and I always played as a defender. Those who have played defense feel certain things. We chose a difficult role, the most difficult, the most complicated, where reliability is extremely important.”
Pippo Inzaghi and dismissal:
“It happens. Almost all coaches have been dismissed. The important thing is to use these moments to improve, study, and grow. I wish Pippo to have the same path and success.”
The gap with Napoli in the standings:
“Milan has improved and has more points, but it’s a partial result. Tomorrow is only the 24th matchday, and the counts will be made at the end.”
