PIOLI: "WE'RE LOOKING GOOD, A BIG SHOWING REQUIRED"

It's almost time for action once again at San Siro. The draw in Salerno saw the Rossoneri lose a bit of momentum, and the team will be eager to get back to winning ways in front of their home crowd. Here's what Coach Pioli had to say on the eve of the matchday 27 clash against Udinese in Serie A:

AC MILAN V UDINESE
"The team have shown focus and determination. Udinese will be a tough team to face: they’re compact and organised, attentive in defence and dangerous on the counter. It’ll be difficult to find space and we’ll need to move the ball quickly, playing with as much quality as possible and doing the best we can on a technical level too. We’ll need to be composed with the choices we make and commit as few mistakes as possible."

THE TEAM
"We’re looking good, even if we made mistakes in our last match. This week, we’ve done analysis and put in the hard work, and I expect a more solid performance tomorrow. We started the match well in Salerno but then played too frenetically. There was too much desire to kill the match as a contest when we needed to follow the game plan. I’m coaching professional lads; all the players at my disposal are doing well, and this improves the overall quality."

LEAGUE TABLE
"We’re not looking at the other teams. We need to determine how our own games go, and I always expect progress and growth from the team. It’s a key part of the season. The truth is that the matches in this league are always difficult and balanced affairs, and you need to display quality if you want to win. Starting from this weekend, an important week awaits: we’ll be involved in tricky fixtures with important points at stake. Our objective remains to improve on the points tally we achieved last season. If this leads us to winning the Scudetto, then we’ll have achieved something extraordinary. While fewer points will likely be required to win the league compared to last season, a high tally will nevertheless be needed."

PIOLI AND AC MILAN
"At AC Milan, I’ve always felt appreciated and supported. I’ve felt at ease from my very first day at Milanello, and this is something that allows me to always work enthusiastically so I can grow and improve the team. What is an extra thing I have compared to Inzaghi and Spalletti? AC Milan. I have great confidence in my team; with my players, anything is possible."

INDIVIDUALS
"I expect a lot from Rebić because he’s a strong player. His physical condition is improving. I’m certain that Ibrahimović wants to continue playing. His fitness levels are getting better but at a slower rate than expected. He’ll be assessed on a daily basis. Saelemaekers is a dynamic and lively player but needs to show more precision when producing a decisive piece of play. Lazetić is doing better and has done some important work from a physical perspective. He’s back training with the team but won’t be available tomorrow; however, he’s not far off."

THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE
"It’s worrying and alarming. I coach young lads, but they know what is happening around them; we spoke about it before training. Sport unites, and we hope it can help."

Match KITs, clothing, accessories, gift ideas and much more: visit the AC Milan online Store!