PIOLI: "PLENTY OF DESIRE TO WORK"

And so it begins. The 2023/24 season, which will see the Rossoneri with lots of ambition and competing on three fronts, is underway. On the day the players returned to training, there was also Stefano Pioli's first press conference of the season at Milanello. Our Head Coach responded to questions from the journalists present at Milanello. 

FIRST FEELINGS
"It’s exciting; it’s always nice to return here and see the players and staff. We have plenty of desire to get down to work, which is required if you want to head in the right direction. This morning, I spoke to Gerry Cardinale, who had some motivational words at the start of this new season."

CHANGES
"I’d like to thank Paolo and Ricky; we had a long-lasting relationship where there was mutual respect and affection. I owe it to them that I’m here. The Club chose to go in a different direction, but there will be continuity. The players know where they are, the shirt we wear and what we represent. I’ve always felt at the centre of the project, and my position hasn’t changed. I’ve always been involved in decisions and the construction of the team. Over the years, the approach to our work has been a shared one. We’ve followed a virtuous path full of ideas with the aim of achieving important results through the quality of our players and hard work.”

OBJECTIVES
"To continue to grow and improve, and to make strides forward as individuals and a team. Due to the transfer market, we currently find ourselves in a situation where the group is evolving continuously."

TRANSFER MARKET AND THE US
"From a technical perspective, Tonali is a big loss and we need to try and replace him in the best way possible. It’ll be difficult to have everything in place when we’re in the US, but from now until 21 July I expect some activity. I hope that we’re further ahead than we are now when we’re in Los Angeles. We’ll play two league matches with the transfer window still open."

LOFTUS-CHEEK AND ROMERO
"Ruben and Luka are happy and motivated. They have high expectations and want to give a lot. Beyond technical qualities and statistics, motivation is among the best characteristics we are looking for in a player. We need players who give everything every day."

FANS
"Our fans continue to show that they’re special and the best. Our relationship sees us give everything and them give everything back in return."

FIRST SEASON WITHOUT IBRA
"This team was able to grow thanks to him, but now we have players who can help others head in the right direction. The group is more mature compared to three years ago. Zlatan is special, but our challenge is to prove we can be successful without him."

POSITION OF THE COACH
"A coach’s fate is always in the hands of the Club, from whom I’ve always received support. It all depends on results, and, as always, I’ll take full responsibility. I feel like I’m the architect of a sturdy house that gives guarantees, but there are a few areas that need to be refurbished a bit to try and achieve something even better. Tactically-speaking, a lot will depend on the characteristics of the new players."

OPPONENTS
"It doesn’t matter who the favourites are now. The important thing is what we manage to do from 21 August onwards. It’ll be a tough and challenging season in the league, and we need to capitalise on our qualities."

REMEMBERING PRESIDENT BERLUSCONI
"He called me several times in the past few years, and to think that I’d only met him once in person as a player. We’ve lost a reference point and someone who made history with AC Milan. I spoke to Galliani, and we’re honoured to be taking part in the Trofeo Berlusconi in his memory."

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