PIOLI: "A TURNING POINT IN THE GROUP"
Press Conference
After their victory over Fiorentina, another home game awaits the Rossoneri, but this time in a different competition. From Serie A to matchday 5 in Champions League Group F: on Tuesday 28 November, AC Milan will take on Borussia Dortmund in what will be a crucial encounter. In today's press conference, Coach Pioli discussed the clash alongside captain Davide Calabria.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
"It's a very important game, a turning point in the group. We know all about our opponents, who are a strong side and can cause problems. However, they can come into difficulties, too. We'll need to be attentive throughout the 95 minutes and understand when to close them down when we're out of possession. When we have the ball, we'll have to try and take up the right positions and find the right spaces."
SINNER AN INSPIRATION
"He's an inspirational figure due to his determination, his talent, his quality, his mentality and his desire to win every single point. If Jannik attends, we'll be happy. In the meantime, I'd like to congratulate him, the Italy Davis Cup team and the captain, Volandri."
FANS AND TEAM, TOGETHER
"We came up against the 'Yellow Wall' in Dortmund, but Borussia don't know what San Siro is like on a Champions League night. In the past, our fans have helped us reach incredible heights, and I'm sure they'll also get behind us tomorrow night."
INDIVIDUALS
"It was our plan for Loftus-Cheek to play a portion of the match in the league, but he wasn't 100% fit even against PSG. Given the qualities he has, Theo is always capable of great performances, and he was excellent against Fiorentina. He went through the middle of the pitch to win the penalty, and he also played a fantastic pass to Jović from that area. It's important for us to be able to occupy different positions on the field, and it's something we know how to do. I was happy with Chukwueze's performance against Fiorentina. He had a difficult start due to an injury, which slowed down his integration into the team. Being a bit further inside allows him to be more involved in the game, but his position will depend on how we decide to play and his combinations with Calabria."
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
"I want to see a team that puts in absolutely everything out on the pitch. I have real confidence in my players, and I'm sure they won't disappoint me. They're prepared and focused, and they know how important this game is and that we've approached it in the right way. The benchmark is the game against PSG: we fell behind but played as a team until the end. It takes strength, character and desire to be the team we were that night, although tomorrow's game will be different because Borussia Dortmund possess different characteristics."
FOCUS NEEDED
"We always play to win. Over the years, the team have shown that they know what is needed to do so. Certain situations can occur during a match, but mental attitude and focus always make the difference. The goals we conceded in Lecce and against Juve weren't down to bad luck but rather to carelessness. Progressing in the Champions League is very important; our objective this season is to be competitive in the league and Europe."
THE KIND OF GAME IN STORE
"I expect that both teams will go all out to win. They do a lot of attacking and are really good on the counter. I think the game will be played at a high intensity and pace, as is normal in the Champions League. Playing against the best players can be difficult, but it's something that allows you to grow, which is exactly what we want to do."
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES
"Through video analysis and by working hard out on the pitch, we've been trying to fix certain aspects where we could have done better. We play at a high level, and understanding mistakes will help us improve."
CAMARDA, SINNER AND EXAMPLES TO FOLLOW
"We're often seen as superheroes, but we're actually young lads. We enjoy playing football; it's a job where determination, intensity and desire are required. We play this game to make our parents happy and bring joy to the fans. As for Sinner, we hope to have his talent and can't wait to display this out on the pitch."
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