PIOLI: "STRONGER THAN OUR ABSENCES"

After two consecutive draws - against Parma and Genoa - the Rossoneri will take on Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium hoping to get back to winning ways in the league. On the eve of AC Milan's sixth engagement in the month of December, Serie A matchday 13, Stefano Pioli gave his press conference from Milanello. The conference was broadcast live on the AC Milan Official App and Milan TV:

SASSUOLO V AC MILAN
"We'll need to pay attention, be adaptive and compact, and dominate the football. We're hoping for a really high-level performance. Sassuolo are playing well; they train hard, have good players and a clear identity. They're a dangerous side and are having an exceptional season. We have a few absences but we have shown we can overcome that. We're performing well and getting results. We have 15 more points than we did at this stage last season. The league is much more even and difficult this year."

SCORING GOALS
"A coach is happy when his forwards score because they need goals to feel confident, but the most important thing is that the team continues to score a lot and that we have goals from all over the pitch. This means that we're an attacking and unpredictable side. There's not a problem going forward and we don't have problems finishing, we're setting records in terms of goals.  Of course, we need to try and concede less. We've not conceded as many from set-pieces but have committed the odd mistake and lost possession, giving other teams a bit too much space." 

IBRAHIMOVIĆ
"Yesterday before training, we were sure that he would be available and could play for a bit tomorrow. Unfortunately, there's been a bit of a hitch. I feel for him because he really wants to help the team. These things happen... He'll come back stronger than ever; he's a champion. We also do have alternatives."  

TRANSFER WINDOW
"We had a normal face-to-face with the board before our recent games because the January window is approaching. If there's a chance to improve the squad with players that are right for AC Milan, in line with our situation, we'll do it. Regardless of Ibra's injury." 

INDIVIDUALS
"Rebić isn't scoring but that's either because of the opposition goalkeeper or because's he's not moving well. I'm satisfied with what he's giving the team in terms of desire and runs. He's doing fine, even though he picked up a slight knock to his foot on Wednesday, which is why I took him off; we hope he can recover in time for tomorrow. I expect more from Leão; his recent performances haven't been on the right level in terms of intensity. He was out through injury and lost a bit of rhythm. Now, he needs to improve mentally to get back to top fitness. Tonali's growth is consistent and constant; he's a talented young lad with a lot of potential. Çalhanoğlu is a leader in terms of technique out on the pitch. I rate him highly for his intelligence; he knows when to make those runs into the box and finish but he also knows when to drop deep - especially when there's less space. Kjær  is recovering well, but it's difficult to see him returning before the break."

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