he told the players!

Stefano Pioli spoke at a press conference on the eve of Milan-Cagliari, introducing the match and analyzing the season.

The Milan travels towards the end of the season aware of the fact that important discussions are practically closed. In fact, the Champions League is on the board, while for the Italian Super Cup it is enough to avoid sporting suicide in this championship finale. Furthermore Stefano Pioli he spoke at a press conference on the eve of the match against Cagliari.

Milan-Cagliari, Pioli speaks

Stefano PioliMilan coach, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the match against Cagliarivalid for the 36th matchday of Serie A. The Rossoneri coach touched on various topics when speaking about the match against the Sardinians, giving some ideas relating to the match at San Siro.

Pioli started from the introduction to match:

Getting back to winning is what we must want too. We haven’t won for too long and second place is an important goal. We must win for all the reasons this match brings.

Then the Rossoneri coach spoke about the last few weeks:

The only thing that would bother me is if the team didn’t have the right motivation to finish the season well. Then again I don’t care and how I feel doesn’t matter. I’m focused on these last games. Then when I meet the club our future will be decided. In the role of the coach there is also being a lightning rod. It’s never been a problem.

On the condition of the group:

The team is doing well. It’s clear that we are still at the end of a complicated season, so there are those who are better off and those who are worse off. I will try to choose who will have the best possible condition.

On Ranieri and on Cagliari:

Let’s talk about a great coach that I was lucky enough to have as a player. I had three teachers: Trapattoni, Bagnoli and Ranieri. He is top in everything, in terms of style, ability to motivate and coach. Wherever he went he always did a great job. He knows how much I respect him, but he also knows that tomorrow is important for us too.

On the future of Milan:

I believe that the club has demonstrated in recent years that it knows how to work and is ambitious. We must finish this championship all together, then the club will give answers at the right time.

On the words of Maldini:

I shouldn’t be the one to comment on Maldini’s words. In general, the merits must be shared between all parties. Leao, to be smiling, I think he wants to play well and score.

On the physical condition of the group in this season finale:

I said where my office is. Anyone who feels they have already given everything or who isn’t 100% could stop by, but no one showed up. So I saw what I wanted to see during the week and tomorrow whoever is better will take the field.

Between Europe and regrets:

I was made fun of because I also said that Atalanta is one of the favorites for the Europa League. I was referring to the fact that a year ago we were in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Being eliminated by Inter diminished the importance of such an important goal. If you tell me about this year we have shown that we are far from the European top teams. For me it’s better to stay focused on the moment and not look to the future. If you talk to me about City and Real we are far away. But we are not far from Atalanta, Roma and Bayer. The regret this year is the two matches against Roma.

On the evolution of De Ketelaere:

I think there could be two reasons, as far as I know. Also because when you don’t coach a player it’s difficult to make judgements. De Ketelaere was in his first year in a different league, while this year he found himself with more experience in a more congenial role. We had other plans for him.

The emotional moment of Milan:

Luckily we are human beings and live on emotions. It’s clear that the exit from the Europa League and the derby took a toll on morale. I don’t think there was no reaction, otherwise we wouldn’t have drawn against Juventus in Turin. In my opinion, the reaction was there, but we were hoping for something more.

Still reasons and condition:

But I’m not talking about motivations, perhaps I explained myself poorly. If a player wasn’t motivated he wouldn’t play. I’m talking about condition. Those who have played more may be less brilliant and vice versa. But it’s not a problem of motivation. A coach puts the team on the field that he thinks can guarantee him the result.

Masters defensive, but other game principles:

It’s the coach who gives an idea. Then the characteristics of the players interpret these principles. We are not a defensive team and we don’t want to be. This doesn’t mean we have to concede all those goals, but it’s clear that we prefer to score one more goal than the others. These are risks that we have accepted and will accept.

On the path of Borussia Dortmund:

It tells us that European competitions are difficult to predict. Being at the top in the double header makes the difference. Borussia should be fifth, very far from Bayer. In his year he had difficult moments, but in Europe he performed at his best. The reality is that they scored and beat us.

On the principles of Cagliari:

With the ball they are a direct team. They don’t dribble so much to go vertical and attack the second ball. In the defensive phase he has changed a bit, but they have a capable coach. We must know how to read the game.

Bennacer and Kalulu:

Bennacer is finding rhythm and continuity. Kalulu is fine, but he can’t be 100%. They are ready to play.

On the defensive phase:

It is true. Compared to the numbers we conceded too many goals for the shots conceded. The percentage is too high because we made too many mistakes.

These are Pioli’s words on the eve of Milan-Cagliari.