PIOLI: "READY FOR ANY ATMOSPHERE"

We've had three straight league wins to get us back into form in the league, now, it's Champions League time. Tomorrow, Wednesday 4 October, it's Borussia Dortmund v AC Milan. It's an important crossroads at this early stage of the competition, which Stefano Pioli and Malick Thiaw discussed in the pre-match press conference at the Westfalenstadion.

STEFANO PIOLI

ATTITUDE
"Our recent wins in the league have given us confidence but now, tomorrow is all that matters. Two years ago, when we played at Anfield, we were probably a bit afraid. But after a journey in Europe like ours, we're able to compete in the competition and with atmospheres like this. We need to play with the right mentality and do all we can to try to win. The game is important in the group but there's a long way to go, regardless of the outcome tomorrow. It won't be decisive but the result will definitely matter."

BORUSSIA DORTMUND
"They've not lost at home in the Champions League in almost two years. Dortmund play attacking football; they're quick and have a lot of quality. We'll need to be intelligent enough to attack the spaces and control the game at various moments. BVB are backed by a fantastic home support; we've spoken about these little details in training to be in the best shape possible for tomorrow evening."

INDIVIDUALS AND MIDFIELD
"Theo is doing well. He'll need to read the space and get forward at the right time. Pulisic will play his 50th game in the competition; he's an experienced and talented guy. Our man at the base of midfield will need build up play but also give us defensive solidity; who starts will depend on what we want from the advanced midfielder, whether that's getting into the box or maintaining possession."

MALICK THIAW

HIS TIME IN GERMANY
"I played here with Schalke. They're a top side and have great fans. I think that'll be a fantastic atmosphere; we're happy to be here and can't wait to play."

DEFENSIVE PAIRING
"Tomori and Kjær are great defenders. I like to play alongside them and each of us brings something different to the team. No matter who plays and who doesn't, we'll all give it everything to win."

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2023/24 are available: buy them now!