Stefano Pioli says Milan’s minimum objective is to make fourth place this season, but “we want to do more”. The Rossoneri travel to Bergamo tomorrow to face a stuttering Atalanta side, and will be buoyed by the return to Rafael Leao to the squad. Speaking pre-match, Pioli outlined the importance for Milan to find some consistency in their form, ahead of a must-win Champions League match with Newcastle United midweek:
“It’s still all open in the league: there are too many games left to make places in the table. But we must definitely find continuity of results: that’s our goal. Tomorrow we have the opportunity. The minimum objective is to finish in the top four, but we want to do something more”.
“They are always difficult matches against Atalanta. They will fight until the end to finish in the top four. They are a complete team, they have quality, presence and organisation.”
“De Ketelaee? He is playing in a more attacking role. He has quality, last year certainly helped him. If he were to play we would have to follow him very closely.”
“Gasperini? He gives a great tactical identity to his teams, but I wouldn’t steal anything from him: everyone has their own characteristics, but I respect him a lot.”
“For Leao we’ll decide today, he’s had some important peaks of intensity. Kjaer won’t be there. Jovic? I have no doubts about his talent. He has to work and be intense. This characteristic cannot fail in modern football”.
“It’s true, when Theo played central defence he offered different solutions, but Tomori also helps a lot from that point of view”.
“I am neither hero nor victim. As Milan coach I have responsibilities, burdens and honours”.
