PIOLI: "CONCENTRATED ALL THE WAY TO THE END"

AC Milan v Genoa is just one day away, with the team having prepared well for the upcoming clash. Coach Pioli held his pre-match press conference today at Milanello. His comments ahead of the Rossoneri’s 33rd fixture of the Serie A season were broadcast live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch.

THE FANS’ SUPPORT
"I think they’re an extra weapon. They give us constant energy, and we must take advantage of this. It another thing we’ll need to do well until the very end."

GENOA AFTER TORINO
"We always play to win. When we don’t manage this, we feel disappointment, but only during the same evening after the game. Motivation then takes over the day after, and this is what’s accompanied us during the week. We’ve worked with great motivation and conviction: we know we have to give more. Genoa? Setting aside their last match, they defend well and play a simple yet effective game. We’ve prepared in such a way that we end up having situations we can take advantage of. I think the result will mostly depend on the speed and tempo with which we produce certain pieces of play. When we make our way into the area, our timing needs to be right; we have to try to be unpredictable."

INJURY UPDATE
"Compared to the Torino match, we’ll have Bennacer and Rebić back available. They’re doing well and could also play from the start; we’ll assess things tomorrow. Castillejo has trained during the week but hurt his ankle just a few hours ago, meaning he won’t be available tomorrow. Ibra will be out for the next ten days. We hope he’ll be back for the final stages of the season. At this stage of the campaign, Zlatan, Florenzi and Kjær are all big misses for us: they’re players who know what needs to be done at this time. However, I trust that everyone wants to give everything."

INDIVIDUALS
"We’re still in the Scudetto race and involved in the Coppa Italia because the players have done their best. Leão will be marked tomorrow, but the important thing is to put him in the best position to get involved in one-on-one situations. Kessie? He’s feeling fine and is motivated to do well. Brahim’s condition isn’t what it was, but this is normal in a long and demanding season. He’s produced some fantastic performances, even after having Covid-19. He’s a quality player and will be important for us from now until the end. Saelemaekers in a full-back role? It’s more of a solution to try during a game than from the start."

IBRAHIMOVIĆ'S SITUATION
"Everyone has physical problems. He’s had a fair few and is now struggling with his knee. Unfortunately, this is how it’s gone. We hope he’ll be available for the last few games. His future? I’m sure he’ll make the best decision, and we’ll support him whatever he decides."

THE ROSSONERI’S CURRENT FORM
"The team are playing an energetic brand of football, trying to dominate games. It’s only right to believe because we’re strong and are aware of our abilities. We’re not in first place because of luck and we haven’t dropped points due to misfortune; it’s because we’ve been missing something. However, I’m sure we’ll play our cards from now until the end, all the while remaining focused and motivated."

MASTERS OF OUR DESTINY
"When I say it depends on us, I’m not referring to the table but rather our performances. We’ve shown that we can win matches through our quality and by playing with a certain mentality. We’ll take stock at the end, but six games still remain. We have the qualities to pick up as many points as possible. Our season is still ongoing; it’s not the time to make conclusions. We need to remain focused until the end."

BACK TO WINNING WAYS
"When a team shuts up shop, it’s difficult for anybody, especially if you can’t break them down. With respect to our most recent fixtures, this fits mostly to the games against Bologna and Torino. We played higher up the pitch, had total territorial supremacy, more chances and more shots, but we still need to find the composure and precision to open the scoring and then kill off games in transition, which is our strength."

THE TITLE RACE
"All of the title contenders are highly motivated. In my opinion, we’re playing well but it’s only right that we make judgements based on results. I’m not too concerned with what the other teams are doing. We just need to win tomorrow’s game, and we have the quality to do so. We’ll get back to winning ways and then take stock at the end."

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