PIOLI: "I BELIEVE IN MY PLAYERS"

February begins at the Benito Stirpe in Frosinone for the Rossoneri, where AC Milan - against the newly-promoted side - seek their third consecutive away win. At Milanello, on the eve of matchday 23 in Serie A TIM, Stefano Pioli held his press conference. Here are the main comments from the gaffer:

AFTER AC MILAN V BOLOGNA
"The players have worked well; they understand the moment we're in and that there's still a long way to go in the season, which at the end can provide us with lots of satisfaction. We've analysed and watched the game back (AC Milan v Bologna), but on the whole we're on a good run. We're playing well and creating lots of chances; we can defend better, though."

ON FROSINONE
"We'll have to give as good a performance as we can in order to return home with maximum points. We're only focused on this match. Frosinone play very good football, Di Francesco is doing an excellent job. In the home game, it wasn't easy for us, despite the winning pretty convincingly in the end. They are a creative and forward-thinking side, have some excellent individuals, and play with a high intensity and pressure at home."

ISMA'S RETURN
"Bennacer has many skillsets: he can give us lots in terms of intensity and quality. He got a slight knock during AFCON, but he's better now although we're not expecting lots of minutes from him. Compared with Adli, Isma is better in one-on-one situations in both sides of the game; Yacine is working really and is progressing a lot. They can play together."

CONCENTRATION
"The talk about me doesn't bother me, what matters is we show our worth right up until the end of the season. We're concentrated on the present and trying to make this season a positive one. The rest doesn't concern us."

THE GROUP
"I really like the group of players I have at my disposal; there's a lot of expectation but that's how it should be. We've scored five goals more and conceded five less compared to last season, but we can always do better. I have huge belief in my players, and the more I see in training during the week the more I'm convinced. We'll take stock at the end of the year."

TRANSFER MARKET CLOSURE
"The opportunities created during this transfer market did not match up with our needs. We were looking for a top-level defender, who could slot straight in and give us a hand. Pellegrino needs to play and joining Salernitana was the best option."

FROM DEFENCE TO ATTACK
"The defensive side of the game is a question on determination, focus, organisation and intensity. We need to get better at these aspects. This team - with its characteristics - this year needs to think about getting one more goal than the opposition. We're always looking to dictate the game and attack."

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