PIOLI: "CONCENTRATING ON IMPROVING THE PRESENT"

At Milanello, it’s the eve of the final game of 2023, with the Rossoneri looking to get back to winning ways against Sassuolo on matchday 18 in Serie A. Coach Pioli previewed Saturday’s 18:00 CET kick-off in his pre-match press conference today:

AHEAD OF AC MILAN V SASSUOLO
"We need a win, I expect a convincing performance. Tomorrow's game isn't about me, nor is it do or die, there's still a long way to go in the season. We've studied Sassuolo; they are side that builds from the back and creates chances; we need to be aware of Berardi and Laurienté, in particular. But they also concede a lot too, so we'll have to to take advantage of their frailties, especially in defence. Sassuolo have beaten Inter and Juventus, which means they know how to play certain games and possess quality."

THE SQUAD
"We've had a week's work to improve the present. The players have no fear, they want to overcome difficulties. We must always give our all; we have made some mistakes so far that we've paid for. We can't find that consistency, even within the same game. But we are united and continuously looking to get better. We need to have better distances on the pitch, we need to be more compact. We're creating a lot, but we need to more clinical and concede less."

THE CLUB
"I haven't spoken with Cardinale recently but directly with the management team that comes to Milanello on a daily basis. Ibrahimović in Miami? That's for Zlatan to answer; he already had this commitment lined up. But, I don't see any issues. We're always talking about how the team is going."

THE FANS
"We have an incredible fanbase, you realise it in the toughest of moments. For us, the milanisti are a treasure to be safeguarded. We are very ambitious, and over the years have raised the bar, thanks to our play and the fans: it's up to us now".

INDIVIDUALS
"The new signings are great players and brilliant lads. Obviously, time is always needed to get settled completely, in what is a tough league. Leão is off the back of an injury; he's been out for a month and is a player that uses force and energy in his game. Hernández has shown great availability in playing a role that isn't his, but like everyone else Theo can do better. Giroud is a centre-forward and not scoring at San Siro for such a long time won't do him any good, but sometimes not much is needed to get back on track."

TRANSFERMARKET
"I'm not commenting on the transfer market. The only thing I will say is the Club is available to any opportunity that may arise to add to the squad."

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