PIOLI: "I EXPECT A LOT FROM MY TEAM"

It's matchday 4 in the Champions League and we are back at San Siro. The match between AC Milan and Porto will be a decisive one for Stefano Pioli's Rossoneri. After three straight defeats in the competition, AC Milan need points if they're to keep the dream of knockout football alive. Ahead of the match tomorrow at 18:45 CET, Coach Pioli and Davide Calabria held a press conference at Milanello.

STEFANO PIOLI

THE SUPPORT OF SAN SIRO
"Our fans are second to none; we haven't yet been able to bring them the joy that they deserve in the Champions League. Tomorrow, we have another opportunity and the big teams know how to take their chances. I expect a lot from my team."

DECISIONS AND UPCOMING GAMES
"We can't afford to think about anything else. Tomorrow is an important crossroad and we cannot mess it up. We have the belief because we have the quality. We have one game to make good on the situation following the defeat last time out. What happens on Sunday is another thing entirely."  

QUESTIONS MARKS ON THE REFEREEING IN ROMA V AC MILAN
"I believe one thing; we beat Roma because we were the better team and lost against Porto because they were better than us. I can't control anything else. We're just going to keep our focus on what we are doing. We analysed the performance with the players and we know what we did well. We can't waste our energy on external factors. Now, we are thinking about the Champions League because we feel like we deserve more than zero points in the table and we have this game to confirm that - against a really tough side."

THE FIRST MATCH
"Porto were aggressive but but so much as to not allow us any time on the ball. We lost the game because we didn't control it- We were poor and we didn't beat their press; we need to be much better at that tomorrow."

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PORTO
"This is their way of playing: they hold the pitch well and are always aggressive. They're a strong side. We'll need to be flexible and technically precise. We can't make simple errors and we have to play positive football."

HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DIRECTORS
"I think it's important to recognise the work that is being done. I'm happy with the relationship that I have with the Club and the directors. We'll discuss the future together."

DAVIDE CALABRIA

THE LOOK OF THE SQUAD TOMORROW
"We have an outlook prepared; it's our last chance to stay in the Champions League. We believe in ourselves and we have the quality to put in a great performance right from kick-off and stay in the competition."

DIFFERENCE IN FORM BETWEEN SERIE A AND THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
"Certain moments have led to the current standings. We don't deserve it but I am convinced that we have the potential to do better and take points, starting from tomorrow."

THAT FINAL CENTIMETRE
"The Champions League is a competition that comes down to the finer details and some of the details have gone against us. It's a shame because we deserve more but there's not much to say. We've been decent in the group until now, except for the game in Portugal."  

TACTICAL EVOLUTION AND PIOLI'S ROLE
"I think that we play attacking, positive football; this is essential in the modern game. In Italy, we are taking some great results and I think this will happen in Europe too. The coach has helped us a lot. He gives us the confidence and desire to all pull in the same direction."

CONTROVERSY AFTER ROMA V AC MILAN
"You'll always get these things; everyone makes mistakes - even referees. We deserved to win, were the better team and we need to rise about the controversy."

PLAYING IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AT SAN SIRO
"I've worked hard to get to this point. I hope that there are many people in the stands because that stadium is amazing when it's full."

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