With Milan set to host Monza tomorrow evening at the San Siro in match-week eleven of the Serie A, Rossonerri boss Pioli previewed the match in a press conference this afternoon.
As it stands, Pioli’s side find themselves in third place with a total of 23 points, with only three points separating them from the league-leaders Napoli. the Milanese side are currently on a three-game winning streak within the domestic league after having sealed three points in a 2-1 victory over Verona as rising star Sandro Tonali slipped the late-winner in the back of the net against the Gialloblu.
As relayed by Italian news outlet Tuttomercato, Pioli touched upon the current status of his squad as a result of their injury crisis:
What has happened to Theo and Zoe is not a pleasant situation, it’s very unpleasant, and they have also affected us, the first days he was very upset and he is working on the pitch, we will help him in everything, we are there.
We’re sorry for Mike, we considered everything possible, he wanted to play in Verona, we checked everything, but this injury will keep him out until at least January.”
I take into account that we will play seven games in 22 days, nobody will play every game. Many have played a lot, others have played less and are well.
I have a group of strong players and if I deploy one instead of the other I don’t lose technical value or personality. These are situations that can happen, but I have a strong group with the recoveries of Kjaer and De Ketelaere.”
In addition, the Emilian tactician provided his insight on Milan’s previous performace against Verona and their run of form since the start of the campaign:
“In Verona we weren’t a compact team, physical condition had nothing to do with it, we were five at the back and five up front and we gave the feeling of being less performing.
The schedule is completely different compared to the first ones of last year, in my opinion we deserved to collect something more, like with Napoli for example.
Then there were some negative situations that need to be improved. Our level must always be high.”
Finally, Pioli briefly discussed his prediction regarding Milan’s opponents Monza:
They have complete characteristics. With the new coach they have only conceded one goal and won three out of four matches. They will play against the Italian champions and will be very determined.”
