PIOLI: "WE NEED TO RAISE OUR LEVEL"

Back to San Siro to try to build momentum after the victory in Bologna. A home victory in the league has been missing for a month and for this reason a win against Crotone is a must. This is what Coach Pioli had to say during his pre-match press conference today: 

CAPELLO'S VISIT AND SACCHI’S WORDS
"We're talking about two great coaches who have AC Milan in their hearts and achieved great results here, and we can only be pleased. I listened to their assessments and opinions carefully, there’s always something you can learn."

A FULL WEEK OF TRAINING
"It's a strange situation that hasn’t happened to us for a very long time, but we've been able to work in depth on a number of tactical situations that we wanted to prepare. In terms of the physical side of things, we did more targeted work. When it comes to the attitude, quality and intensity displayed, we've enjoyed a good week. We always have data at hand, and we’re working to improve the condition of the team. Having a full week to work instead of just two days has helped us to manage our energy levels better."

CROTONE
"Stroppa's team have accumulated fewer points than they've deserved, they play good football and will be coming to San Siro to try to pick up some vital points in their fight against relegation. Following the transfer window, they now have more attacking options. On a technical level, we'll have to produce a great performance."

IBRA AND ÇALHANOĞLU'S CONDITIONS
"Against Bologna, I think Ibra was very determined and decisive, he was very much involved in our attacking play. We created ten goalscoring opportunities, and I liked what I saw from the team. Hakan suffered from a few symptoms, he might not be at the same level physically but it's great to have him with us again. He has unique characteristics, and I’ll make an assessment regarding whether he should play from the start or come on during the game."

THE STAGES OF THE SEASON
"We're halfway up the mountain, but the toughest slopes are still to come: this doesn't just apply to us but all of the other teams too. We mustn't just settle for what we've done performance-wise and need to raise our level, starting from tomorrow. We need to display more intensity and quality than our opponents in order to win. Our focus must only be on our own performance, everyone in the top seven can fight it out for the Scudetto and Champions League qualification. There will be a few that miss out, and we don't want to be disappointed come the end of the season."

THE BATTLE WITH INTER AT THE TOP
"Our motivation is coming from within, we emerged victorious from a difficult match in Bologna and want to carry on in this manner. We're not interested in the table at the moment, we just need to perform as best we possibly can. It will, however, be great and important to be top tomorrow evening. It’s not the first time that we've played after Inter. While we might be behind them now, this is not something we’re focused on."

WINNING AT SAN SIRO
"We haven't won our last two matches at San Siro, and this needs to provide us with motivation tomorrow. Without any fans in the stadiums, playing at home isn't such an advantage. Nevertheless, we have a few regrets from our draws against Verona and Parma."

BENNACER'S RETURN
"At this level, everyone has to deal with pressure: as Zlatan rightly said, 'either you eat or get eaten'. Those who want to play need to deserve a spot in the team. Ismaël hasn't trained due to bronchitis and we’ll see if he can play tomorrow."

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