PIOLI: “FACING TORINO AN EXCITING PROSPECT”

A league away game on Sunday evening: after Verona, it's off to Turin to close out this eight-day period - from the 4-1 against Monza via the 4-0 win in Zagreb in the Champions League - that has so far been nothing but positive. It is the eve of matchday 12 of Serie A and at Milanello, waiting for the departure of the team, Coach Pioli's held a press conference, live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch.

TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE BREAK
"We started the season with two aims: be as high as possible in the table at the break and get out of our Champions League group. We have a lot of big games in just a few days but the team is doing fine. I have a group of hungry and talented players at my disposal and I will play those, who I believe are able to help us win these games. Tomorrow's match is the most important; we've prepared to go out and win it. In order to confirm our good form, we need to pick up as many points as possible. Being top on 13 November isn't final but we need to make sure we have at least 85 points at the end of the season. The more games we win now, the better it is."

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TORINO
"This is a tricky game; Torino play a different style of football to Verona and Monza, even though all three use a similar formation. Facing a side coached by Jurić is always an exciting prospect because he's the kind of coach that forces you to come up with creative solutions. Our opponents will always look to put us under a lot of pressure. We know how to will with this type of situation and I expect my team to put in a convincing performance. We want to put together as long a winning streak as possible; Napoli are doing really well, so a win for us tomorrow would be massive."

THE TEAM'S CONDITION
"Dest and Brahim have made a full recovery and are available. I will play the fittest team possible. We have a starting line-up and it will be seen tomorrow. We have various different options both from the start and off the bench. The team tomorrow will be the strongest that I can put out; the players found out this morning who will play. We prepare for each game like it's the biggest and most difficult match of our lives."

EXES PELLEGRI AND POBEGA
"Pietro went through a difficult period with us due to injuries and a lot of competition for places. We made a decision based on what we thought was right for us and for him. I wish him all the best because he's a hard-working lad. Tommaso returned from his loan spell with Torino a much better and complete player; he had a great season there. He will get lots of gametime because he has the characteristics that we need." 

INDIVIDUALS
"Brahim is doing well now and he was doing well before; having to deal with such a simple format of a deal becomes a problem. Maignan is here with us and going through the recovery process. He has a consultation on Monday and based on the outcome of that, we'll decide when and how to reintegrate him into the group. I understand that, outside of Milanello, there's a bit of impatience surrounding De Ketelare, but not here. We have the foresight and understanding to be patient with such a young guy. He is a talented lad and when a player has this quality, intelligence and hunger, then he has the right basis. He just needs to keep working hard. Pierre has his own path to forge. He has done brilliantly as a centre-back; he's a dependable guy. He's doing well and he just needs to continue doing what he is doing. Vranckx and Thiaw are developing nicely and they're ready to help the team."

GROWTH
"Developing the players has always been a must for my staff and me. We want to get the most out of them and we're getting great results in that because they're playing great football. The players are the key figures. A lot of praise must be heaped on the Club and the players themselves for their willingness and sacrifice." 

THE EVENTS AT ASSAGO
"We have spoken about in the dressing room and I heard Galliani speak on the evening in question. We're all with Pablo Marí and, at the same time, we're sorry because certain things should never happen."

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