press-conference
28 October 2023

PIOLI: "WE WANT TO SHOW WE'RE BETTER"

The Coach in his press conference ahead of the trip to Napoli

After the big game against PSG in the Champions League in midweek, the fixture list is not letting up as the Rossoneri go into a big away game. On Sunday 29 September, AC Milan travel to Naples to take on Garcia's side as they look to get back to winning ways and pick up form in the league. Stefano Pioli spoke about the game in his press conference at Milanello.

TURNING IT AROUND
"The team is hungry to turn things around. For the first time this season, we've lost two in a row in two big games and tomorrow we have another one. We'll need to show that we have the quality to be a consistent side. We have to keep at it for 95 minutes against teams like this. We must live in the present; we've made mistakes and got results that we didn't want. We have the chance in Naples to put in a better performance and show that we're better."

RECENT DAYS AT MILANELLO
"We've worked hard and spoken a lot. We were tense coming back from Paris but in the right way. We'd be wrong to come back from a Champions League defeat all happy and smiley. We spoke about it and we clarified it, with the aim that we up our game and work out the things that have caused us issues."

TACTICAL CHOICES
"We have our way of playing, which we need to stick to, but there are things, for which we need to be more alert and reactive. We won't change our style of play; being aggressive doesn't mean leaving yourself open. We need to read certain situations better. That are some things that need to be perfected but the team's attitude should not change. I will prepare; I try to be confident in what I do and to convince the player that what we're trying is right." 

 SUPPORT FROM THE OWNERS
"We working with an ambitious ownership, which has set up the Club to have solutions and think big, thanks to a competitive squad. We're not alone but this has to be our aim."

PROBLEMS SCORING
"It's hurting us. We're lacking that final ball, the finish and bodies in the box. We often go 1-v-1 out wide and we're crossing more, so we need to get more players into the penalty area. Reijnders is a player that, with the ability that he has, can chip in with goals and assists."

NAPOLI AND GARCIA
"Garcia is a great coach. He had issues at the start - which is normal - but now they're playing well and creating a lot. It's true that Osimhen is a big loss but they got great results without him last season. We need to be aware of Kvara because he can hurt one one-on-one. We'll try to be alert."

INDIVIDUALS
"Jović and Okafor are fit; they're in the squad and available. Ruben is an important player due to his physicality and quality. He's recovered from the muscle problem but has an abdominal issue. His condition is improving by the day and it's a good chance that he'll be back for the next one. He need guidance and support in his recovery. It's normal that Theo is less marauding on the wing given the style that we're trying to play but he's one of the players that can help us raise the bar."

CHOICES IN MIDFIELD
"Rade and Yacine are playing in the same role; I don't see them playing together. It's normal to have competition. They have different characteristics and I will decide game by game. I'm pleased with their performances and with how they are interpreting that role."



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