PIOLI: "BACK TO IT WITH SPIRIT AND ENTHUSIASM"

A Friday night showdown awaits the Rossoneri, who will be up against a tough side in the form of Torino. With the team looking to turn their form around, Coach Pioli discussed the matchday 22 clash in Serie A in his press conference live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch.

ONE MILLION ATTENDANCES AT SAN SIRO
"There is definitely a big thank you from our side for the support even in the most difficult moments, it is important for us to know that the fans are always by our side".

IBRA'S RETURN
"He's better, the range of his abilities is not massive because he hasn't trained much. His role is to be a great player and a great motivator, I hope he continues to be both. He will be with us against Torino because he wants to be with the group. We have no regrets about his exclusion from the Champions list, he is not a guarantee at the moment".

THE ROLE OF LEÃO AND THEO
"Leão is very important for me and for the team, he came back from the World Cup and had to play straight away. He lost his sparkle and that's why I tried to use him in a game in between games, he's always available and very motivated and focused. It's a similar story for Theo, he had a physiological decline and I think losing a World Cup final affected him. Physically he is fine and he wants to make an impact".

THE NEW SYSTEM
"There are no winning and losing systems, interpretation counts for something. I have made my evaluations on the way and the last performances, we lack build-up from the back and a more solid defensive performance. We're not changing our attitude and we're not kidding ourselves, criticism is inevitable, I can't expect compliments right now."

COMING UP AGAINST TORINO
"With them they are always troublesome matches because they put the opponent's possession in trouble by pressing all over the field, and it will be like that this time too. We have to move well and be brave with the ball, trying to do something different compared to the last two games. They will try to get the ball by any means necessary from the start, we have tried some situations that we hope will give us an advantage. It will be a dirty match, with many duels which we will have to be determined to win".

OVERCOMING THIS DIFFICULT SPELL
"With the attitude and commitment of my players, aspects that always make me think positively about the performance and the approach to the game. It is a moment that is part of football and our jobs, it is more difficult than others but you have to believe in your players and in what you are doing. We are aware that we can do more, the ambition was to win the title again, but from tomorrow another season starts to enter the top four, with enthusiasm and spirit. There are 17 games left and the season can still be positive".

MAIGNAN, BENNACER, TOMORI
Mike's recovery is going well, he has returned to work on the pitch and the examination he has had says he is better and this gives us hope for his return. Bennacer and Tomori should be back working with the team on Sunday and so will be available on Tuesday in the Champions League."

THE NEW PLAYERS
"They are all young and talented guys, in whom the club has done well to believe. Kalulu and Leão needed time, ups and downs before they reached their current level. Everyone has their own path and the fact that they are going through a delicate period for the team leads the coach to use more experienced players."

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