PIOLI: "LET'S LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES IN LONDON"
Press Conference
A new week, a new horizon and a new match: after Juventus, San Siro is ready to welcome Chelsea for the return fixture against the Londoners. After the previous game, a 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge, AC Milan have 90 minutes in front of their home crowd to gain revenge. Coach Pioli and Fikayo Tomori spoke in a press conference on the eve of the match, and their words were broadcast live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch.
LEARNING FROM THE REVERSE FIXTURE
"We need to show that the match in London was a one-off and not the norm. We can learn from the situations that took place last Wednesday in order to make fewer mistakes. We’re playing a team that, in addition to its qualities, has proven that it knows how to take advantage of opponents’ mistakes. We’re focused on tomorrow’s game. In terms of points, the group is very tight; we can’t think beyond Chelsea. We’ll need all the energy we can get, including from the crowd. Playing in front of our fans is fantastic; they give us incredible support, which represents a real weapon every time."
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MATCH
"Tomorrow’s match is worth a lot, including beyond the points at stake. This is due to the quality of our opponents and what it could mean for our growth. AC Milan shouldn’t have doubts or worries; we need to play at our level. The six-pointers in the league and Champions League require you to do your best because you’re up against strong opponents. Tomorrow, there will be many different situations compared to Saturday. We need to focus on managing to play at our standard. I have ideas in my mind and we’ll certainly try to produce something different compared to the game in London."
THREE YEARS AT AC MILAN
"I’ve focused on the process every day, working well in the present in order to be able to do better in the future. Since I’ve been here, my aim has been to improve on a daily basis alongside the Club and the players."
INDIVIDUALS AND CHOICES
"Charles (De Ketelaere, ed.) picked up a knock and won’t be available tomorrow, and probably not on Sunday either. Messias will be in the squad, but it remains to be seen how we’ll line up. The team handled things very well against Juventus, and I’ll make my choices tomorrow after we’ve done our muscle wake-up session. Dest has come in from a Barcelona side that plays much more of a passing game that is more technical and less direct. I really believe in his qualities; his moment will come soon."
RESPONDING AFTER THE CHELSEA DEFEAT
"I was angry after the reverse fixture and wanted to make amends on the pitch. I was happy when I scored; it was a good feeling. I wanted to erase the Chelsea showing. In London, we didn’t play well and like we know how to; it wasn’t the real AC Milan. We managed to respond positively against Juventus, putting things right."
FIK AND AC MILAN
"I’m proud to be here and wear this shirt. We know we can raise our level collectively, but we’re a strong side. Out on the pitch, we give everything to win every match and need to continue on this path. We’re angry at not having done well last week, but now we have another opportunity. I don’t want to think too much about the game at Stamford Bridge, but we need to learn from that defeat to grow further."
INTERNATIONAL AMBITIONS
"I think that every match provides an opportunity to show that I want and can play for England. Southgate told me that I need to carry on doing what I’m doing and that he watches all my matches. I know that I need to give everything on the pitch for AC Milan and play as best I can. Then, the national team coach will decide. Obviously, I want to give my all with the aim of playing for England at the World Cup."
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