PIOLI: "WE'LL GIVE OUR ALL TO REACH OUR OBJECTIVE"
Press Conference
The success in Zagreb has given us the chance to be masters of our own European destiny. Standing between AC Milan and a place in the Champions League Round of 16 is the final game in Group E, at San Siro against FC Salzburg; a fixture that will decide everything. Head Coach Stefano Pioli and Sandro Tonali previewed the game in their press conferences at Milanello, broadcasted live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch.
OPERATION QUALIFICATION
"Doing well against FC Salzburg would give out a strong message, because it would be our first objective reached this season. We've earned this opportunity, we now have the chance to reach the last 16. The lads recognise it's a great opportunity. We were disappointed with the game against Torino but this is a different competition against different opposition and we're only thinking about this game."
ON FC SALZBURG
"We don't know how to save our energy and hold ourselves back, it's not our way of playing. We need to attack, but be aware that the opposition can be very dangerous on the break, while trying to play our game with clarity of thought and great concentration. We need to give the best performance we can."
CONTRACT RENEWAL
"Credit goes to everyone. The Club is backing me. I have thanked the players because without them the renewal wouldn't have been possible. We started on our journey three years ago, now we'd love to get through to the next stage. I feel valued and appreciated. The signal from the Club in giving me a long-term deal is important; it's expresses a will to continue our work together and make AC Milan even bigger and better. I have made my dreams become a reality, I want it to make it last as long as possible."
ON THE EVE OF THE GAME
"Leão will be in tip-top shape and like everyone else will be giving their all. If the opposition are expecting the AC Milan they saw at Torino, they're going to be hugely disappointed.I haven't needed to do anything in particular to lift the spirit within the group The lads know the importance of the game, we have all the right cards to do well."
OUR EUROPEAN ADVENTURE
"I believe it's something we absolutely deserve and represents well on all of us. Our journey started off from way low down, from the Europe League preliminary rounds, and now we've reached this point. The game against FC Salzburg gives us the chance to better last year's finish and reach our first objective of the season."
DECISIVE MATCH
"None of us should be afraid, it's natural there's pressure. We know they are a strong side and have very precise characteristics. We can't go out there and think about what a draw will bring. It's the only error we must not commit, as an experienced group we must understand the game is there to be won. We've looked at them and prepared accordingly, as well as working on our game. We'll be going out with lots of energy, desire and excitement to reach our goal."
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MEMORIES
"Not including the finals, my favourite memory in the Champions League is AC Milan 3-0 Manchester United at San Siro. It's one of the games that moves me the most."
Match KITs, clothing, accessories, gift ideas and much more: visit the AC Milan online Store!
