PIOLI: "CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: THE BEST TIME FOR A REACTION"

The Rossoneri want to put the derby setback behind them, and their Champions League opener provides the perfect opportunity to do so. AC Milan's European adventure is about to begin, with the Diavolo set to face a Newcastle side. Stefano Pioli and Fikayo Tomori held a press conference today to present the clash, which will kick off at 18:45 CEST at San Siro tomorrow. This is what they had to say:

STEFANO PIOLI

POST-DERBY
"We had high expectations, lots of belief and positivity. It was extremely disappointing. I've had some great times, and not so great, here; the poor performance in the derby hurt, but we're strong and I know we have the capabilities to react and get through this tough moment. We restart with the Champions League, which is as good as any".

AHEAD OF THE GAME WITH NEWCASTLE
"We know how tough this group is: PSG probably have a slight advantage compared to the others, but the group is evenly balanced and every point will prove vital. We're aware how important it is to start off well. Bettering last season's semi-final means arriving to the final hurdle, but we just need to take one game at a time. Newcastle are the classic English team: intense, aggressive, physical, but also highlighting their technical quality. It'll be exciting to meet back up with Tonali, as it will for him to see AC Milan again. Sandro was very important in our growth, which took us to the title, so we'll receive him with great affection."

THE SQUAD
"I'm always very aware of my players' behaviour. I know perfectly well if they are taking in the ideas I propose and understand if they are not. As long as it's like this then I will proceed with our ideas and way of playing. Plus, roles can change. Tomorrow, maybe, we'll play the same syle but in different positions."

FANS
"I am in debt with the fans, especially for the support when things got really bad last season, as well as the negative record I personally have in the derby. AS Coach of AC Milan, I clearly have a bad report card against Inter. If I could, I would face up to every single fan to tell them how much it hurts me. But words mean nothing, it's what happens on the pitch that counts."

IBRA AT MILANELLO
"Zlatan should have come to greet us before the derby, but have a commitment. We kknow how important he was, and still is, for us and for me. I don't coach him any more, but we are friends and speak to each other about many things."

FIKAYO TOMORI

READY TO GET BACK
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to help out my teammates in the derby. I was tough watching it on TV. I hope to be back tomorrow and contribute to a win. Newcastle are very strong; have lots of pace up front and very physical behind; they like to play deep in behind. We know what to expect tomorrow and need to show how good we are in both sides of the game."

TONALI AS AN OPPONENT
"It'll be great to see Sandro again so soon after his departure. We played a lot of games together, but we are professionals and when the whistle blows friendship goes out of the window. We all want to win."

ON LEÃO
"Leão has improved and can get even better. He showed everyone his enormous potential in the Champions League last season. He can become one of the next global stars; we hope he plays well tomorrow." 

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