PIOLI: "IMPORTANT TO START WELL"

All the weeks of work, training and friendlies were leading up to this point. Matchday 1 in Serie A is tomorrow, as Stefano Pioli today gave his first press conference of the season to discuss Bologna v AC Milan. Here's what he had to say:

TRANSFER MARKET
"The Club has listened to my suggestions regarding the characteristics of the players we needed, and I’m happy with our business up to now. The transfer window will be open for another ten days, and the directors are always ready and attentive. However, we’re only focused on tomorrow’s match and are ready to go again."

PLENTY OF CHANGES
"Looking at the comings and goings, we’ve changed almost 20 players. Those who have remained here need to do everything to help the newcomers settle in. At the same time, the new lads have to adapt as soon as possible. Another season is beginning, and our performances and the results we pick up along the way will tell us the level we’re at. We’re ambitious and want to be competitive."

STARTING WELL
"It’s always important to start well, but tomorrow’s result won’t determine our path. This isn’t a new AC Milan setting out; rather, this is a renewed AC Milan side aiming to be even more competitive. There’s excitement but also curiosity because tomorrow will be our first meaningful match this season. During our preparations, I’ve liked what I’ve seen in terms of attitude, desire, involvement and cohesion."

MIDFIELD
"Bennacer is continuing his rehabilitation; in terms of his recovery, he’s still got quite a long way to go. So far, I’ve tried Krunić and Adli in the midfield pivot. Given his characteristics, Reijnders could also play in that position, but Loftus-Cheek and Musah aren’t as suited there. Rade has grown a lot. He prefers playing a bit deeper and is very intelligent, with his role allowing his teammates to be more free and enterprising. Yacine is motivated and can still make great strides forward in the middle of the park."

NEW FACES
"The transfer window is still open, and a lot can still happen. Okafor has done well as a centre-forward and his condition is improving, even if he’s still not 100% yet. We’ll see what happens with Colombo, who has grown, while a bit of work is still required from Musah and Chukwueze to get up to speed. As regards our squad for Bologna, the only player who will be missing is Musah due to suspension."

IDEALS
"We need to have ideas that we can carry forward with conviction, quality and sacrifice. If we manage to display these characteristics, we can be very successful. AC Milan really aims for inclusivity, as our new Third Kit shows, and it’s a Club that must have strong players, irrespective of their nationality. The word ‘impossible’ doesn’t exist for us, and we want to find solutions to do the best we can.”

CARLO MAZZONE
"For us coaches, Carlo was an example of passion, honesty and professionalism. I’d like to extend my condolences to his family. He was a very important person in the world of football."

The AC Milan PUMA Third Kit for 2023/24 is available: buy it now!