PIOLI: "WE NEED TO HAVE FIRE IN OUR BELLIES"

The Tardini is calling and Milanello is responding. On the eve of Parma v AC Milan, Coach Pioli spoke to the press ahead of the Rossoneri's matchday 14 clash in Serie A after having announced his squad for the game. This is what the Coach had to say before the team's departure for Emilia-Romagna, words which were streamed live on the AC Milan Official App and Facebook.

THE GROUP'S DEVELOPMENT
"At this point in time, I believe that strengthening the group and making it more cohesive is the only way to help us get out of this difficult spell. We're working on a daily basis to become more of a team and to improve our league position as quickly as possible."

THE MATCH AT THE TARDINI
"It won't be easy, Parma are an excellent side who are efficient in both defence and attack. As for us, we need to maintain the same spirit but improve the technical quality of our play, trying to be more precise in everything we do. This is especially the case against a team who are difficult to stop when they counter."

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS CLASH
"Over the course of the league season, there are always matches that go beyond just the three points. However, I believe that the opportunity won't just simply arrive on our doorstep, we need to go out and make it happen. This is what the players need to understand clearly."

THE ROLE THAT THOSE WHO COME ON TO PLAY
"Those who play from the beginning need to have fire in their bellies, and this also applies to those who come on during matches. We must add wood to our fire. We are AC Milan and everyone is working for the good of AC Milan, we need to give our soul even if it's just for five or ten minutes. We all know what our objective is and what we need to do to achieve it."

THE TEAM'S CONDITION
"Everyone is doing fine except Duarte, who over the past few weeks has gritted his teeth and demonstrated attachment to the shirt and great qualities as a player. He will be out for a long time, we hope that he'll recover in the best possible fashion because the team needs these qualities and this attitude. Paqueta will also be unavailable due to a muscle problem."

INDIVIDUALS
"You don't lose and you don't win as individuals. Everyone needs to help and also get some help. Piatek is adding depth to our play, he's had chances to score but hasn't done so. He can do better in many aspects, just like everybody else can. Intelligent and strong players like Bonaventura can play in every position. I'm lucky to be in a position to make choices and Jack can help us in this respect, irrespective of his role. Caldara is feeling fine but not absolutely fantastic, he'll be involved with the Primavera side because he needs to find the required tempo and intensity. Gabbia did really well for Italy's U21s, he's a young and reliable lad who is waiting to contribute to the cause. Leao has important characteristics and can become a great player, but he can do more."

OBJECTIVES
"At this point in time, the objective is to think about tomorrow and about the next four matches in general. We're aware of our position in the table and of our qualities. We are AC Milan, Europe is our home and our objective needs to be just that. But it's pointless to talk about it now, the players need to be aware of our current situation. Their attitudes show that we are a team which fights, which plays and which now needs to raise the bar. The objective is to get points. We need to go and find opportunities."

Remember that tickets are on sale for the home game against Sassuolo. Buy yours now! See you at San Siro!