PIOLI: "FOCUS, CLEAR-MINDEDNESS AND DYNAMISM"

The battle at Anfield is now a thing of the past, with the Rossoneri now looking ahead to one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the season in the Italian top flight. Up next is Juventus v AC Milan, which will kick off at 20:45 CEST tomorrow evening. Ahead of the matchday four clash in Serie A, Coach Stefano Pioli held a press conference from 13:45 CEST, with his words broadcast on Milan TV and the AC Milan Official App. Nel corso della conferenza, il Mister ha voluto sottolineare il suo sostegno alle iniziative contro il razzismo del Milan: "Sono orgoglioso di fare parte di un Club che è in prima linea nella lotta ad ogni tipo di discriminazione. Quindi bisogna assolutamente andare avanti così".

ON THE MATCH AT ANFIELD
“We were blitzed at the beginning of the match in Liverpool, along with the fans present at the stadium: everything was at the top level and we struggled. Despite this, we were able to react to a complicated moment against a difficult opponent which is a sign of maturity. There is still a difference, and I’m sure that those 90 minutes will serve to reinforce our convictions and concepts of the game. I hope to look back on it, in the future, as a game that made us grow a lot”.

ON JUVENTUS
“I’m pleased to play again against Allegri, a great coach. It was difficult to imagine, at the beginning of the season, them having just one point after three games, but I don't think we will be favourites despite the difference in the table. Juventus have great players and great traditions, I expect a balanced game between two great teams. I think they will try to come at us to prove their strength, so we will have to be ready. Our level has certainly risen, but competition in Italy is very high and the top seven, on paper, are very close in terms of value. But it’s on the pitch that everything is determined. Tomorrow we will have to try to play better than our rivals”.

ON MAIGNAN
“We don't have any ghosts, we’re able to count on a great goalkeeper: I like Mike very much for the way he approaches his daily work and the game. He is always attentive, determined, and incisive in his communication. He arrived later than his teammates because of his commitments at the European Championship, but he made himself present in the best of ways. He’s very curious, he wants to know everything in order to put his skills and knowledge at the service of the team”.

ON THOSE UNAVAILABLE
“We met with Zlatan, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s match, like Calabria and Giroud, who all have physical problems. Messias won’t be available as he isn’t ready yet. We’ll focus on the resources we have, we will still be competitive and we have the tools to do well. It’s inevitable that by playing so often this type of situation can emerge because we’re playing so many high-level matches full of intensity. I think this situation can improve from the next break”.

ON THE INDIVIDUALS
“Tomori and Díaz are players of the highest quality, and they have the desire to look for the details that will help them continue to grow. They are two very young guys who have made the most of last year’s experience, immediately finding their best form. Pellegri will be available tomorrow evening, he’s doing well. He is a young player with a good attitude and excellent depth, he’ll certainly be able to help us. Romagnoli? The agent does his job, I do mine: I’m very happy to coach Alessio, he’s a great defender who, like all the players on this team, is concentrated and willing to fight for the shirt. Leão is doing well and it’s important that he can continue like this with his development”.

ON THE MARGINS FOR IMPROVEMENT
“We won the first three games because we were a team for 95 minutes on each occasion, if we want to compete we have to play with focus, clear-mindedness and dynamism throughout the entire match. We didn’t leave Liverpool happy and satisfied, we have picked out the occasions in which we can improve and do better. We believe we’re strong and we want to prove it in every single match out on the pitch. We can improve with our build-up play, and especially with our movements off the ball. When we did this on Wednesday we created many chances, as was the case with the two goals. When we work at speed and high quality with our positions we have the potential to put any team in difficulty. Tomorrow, I expect a stronger and more aware AC Milan. It will be another top-level match. We want to be an active team full of personality: we will have our chance on this occasion”.

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