PIOLI: "AC MILAN v JUVE CARRIES A LOT OF WEIGHT"

A few days to recharge the batteries at Milanello and tomorrow it's back on the pitch: at San Siro we have AC Milan v Juventus, a match that oozes history and rivalry. The best opportunity to get back on track immediately after the defeat at Stamford Bridge. Coach Pioli spoke in a press conference from Milanello and live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch from 12.00 CEST, and this is what he had to say:

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GAME
"During a season, there are two or three games that carry more weight, and coming up against Juventus is of particular importance for many reasons. The motivation is there and would have also been there against any other opponent. We’re all responsible for the performance in London, and we’re determined to show that we’re a different team compared to the one that showed up on Wednesday."

DE KETELAERE’S PROGRESS
"He’s on the right path, and I’m happy with what he’s doing. I remember Rafa three years ago and Tonali in his first year; many were quick to criticise them and question their qualities. Charles is talented and needs time to adapt and learn about certain situations, but he’s on the right path."

THEO’S RECOVERY
"He trained in full with the team yesterday and was fine. If his progress remains positive, he’ll be available."

INJURIES
"These are moments that can happen during the season, but I am surrounded by really professional staff members and see a group of players who are eager to continue our journey. Apart from Theo, there’s nothing much to report about the others."

GOALS CONCEDED
"We’ve conceded a few too many goals. We can do better, and Chelsea did well to make the most of our mistakes the other night. When there are simple situations, a team of our quality needs to be more attentive. We’re a bit more of an attacking side than last year but I don’t think that it can be put down to this: often, we have the numerical superiority, and we can interpret certain situations better."

RESPONSE
"We put the game in London behind us straight away and we’ll revisit it from Sunday onwards. The players are eager to react. This doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll win because opponents exist too, but we won’t be lacking in desire, motivation and determination."

OPTIONS
"I haven’t used Krunić out wide on the right. He’s played as a ‘mezzala’ who gets forward, a role very similar to the one McKennie will be asked to play against us. We have solutions and will find them as we look to be as varied as possible in attack and not give Juventus any reference points. Usually, they start matches high up the pitch before dropping back. Tomorrow, it’ll be very important not to get the simple things wrong. I’ll select the line-up tomorrow morning. Giroud is doing well both mentally and physically."

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