Stefano Pioli , AC Milan coach , speaks at a press conference on the eve of the return match of the Champions League quarter-finals against Napoli.
Pioli: “Defending would be a mistake, let the first leg be a lesson to us”
The Rossoneri start from a 1-0 lead from the first leg: “It would be a mistake to defend. We have a minimal advantage.
Both teams had their chances to score, the one who makes the most of the chances they create wins. Napoli started much better than us in Milan and should be a lesson to us."
“Would I trade fourth place for the Champions League final?
We are here to play the Champions League, one game at a time. It would be a very important journey. It is a journey that began three years ago, we are only focused on this game.
Evaluations are given at the end ,” he added.
“Both teams will be ready. A very delicate but stimulating match.
Both teams have the qualities to win the match ,” he explained.
Pioli: “The Maradona atmosphere will also charge us”
“I think it's great to play matches of this level because of the atmosphere in the stadium . It will certainly boost the Napoli players but it will also boost ours.
We start at the same level, we have a very small advantage but we have to complete the work by playing a very high level match".
“ Osimhen ? We always take the characteristics of our opponents into great consideration.
However, we have our own way of playing. The matches we have played recently with Napoli were also matches that you have to know how to read, during the match you have to know how to dictate the pace, slow down, speed up and read the moments well".
" I think it's clear to everyone that Brahim Diaz is growing a lot. He's young, but he has a lot of personality. He's a guy who enjoys pressure and knows how to handle it well.
He's growing a lot, he's becoming a top-level footballer. It's clear I'd like to coach him again ," he added.
As for possible changes , he explained: “Tomorrow will be the third match we've played in a few days, and both we and they have interpreted situations differently. There will certainly be some different attitudes tomorrow too.”
Pioli then reassured everyone about Giroud 's condition : “He's fine.
He had a small problem that he overcame in recent days, we managed it well in recent days and he is ready to play. I don't know what choices Spalletti will make to replace Anguissa , we'll see tomorrow."
