PIOLI: "WE HAVE TO CONTINUE LOOKING FORWARD"

Back at San Siro after our Champions League opener. Serie A matchday 5 pits the Rossoneri against Hellas Verona, who have got off to a great start this season. Head Coach Stefano Pioli discussed the game in his pre-match press conference at Milanello:

PRE-MATCH
"Winning is always important, especially after a defeat. Easy matches don't exist, just the desire to interpret them well. The team are doing well. We're confident about what we're doing and eager to produce the right performance against Verona. Right now, we're only focused on our match against them. They're an intense and aggressive side, and we need to be prepared and approach the game well to come away with the three points. We'll have to be composed and intelligent and show an ability to understand the situations that develop as we look to find the necessary solutions."

TEAM SELECTION AND ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
"I'm focusing on making the right choices to win. It's only right that the players are champing at the bit. There are eleven starters and then those who are subbed on as the game progresses, who can also provide something different. The maximum availability of players is important, the opportunities will come for everyone. We have played five official matches and on the whole, our performances have dictated the results. There have been very positive situations and others on which we have to grow and focus to find improvements."

INDIVIDUALS/1
"Oli is doing very well. He is an important player for the team, but it is clear that he must be managed in these situations. He doesn't have any physical issues, he is in great condition: we'll see what choice to make. Luka had a difficult summer with few playing minutes, he's lacking rhythm but he's doing well and is very motivated. He can play football, I think it's very important for us to have players that know how to move in spaces. I think he can give us a lot of success this respect." 

INDIVIDUALS/2
"Florenzi is an AC Milan starter, regardless of whether he starts the game or is subbed on. He is an important player for us, he can play on the right or left. Maignan is better, it's a changing situation that we will follow day by day but I don't think it will be a long time. Kalulu has a small injury, I don't think he will make it for the next three matches. I want Samu wide, he was used to running up and down the pitch and he needs to find the timing and movements. I played him to target the defenders with a his pace, we made better use of him in the second half but I am pleased with his performance against Newcastle."  

THE NEW ROSSONERI
"The settling in period is over because we have played a lot but the new arrivals have come from different leagues and so it will take some time for them to perform to the best of their abilities. But they have settled in well and are training well, they are able to make an important contribution to us." 

RAFA'S TIME
"Leão is on an important path, to go from the great player he is to being a champion. He will have to manage his talent and some phases of the game better. Growing up means more responsibility, but on a mental and character level he is making important steps, also in terms of availability. We must not give too much responsibility to a single player: the mistake of one is a mistake of all: we must continue on our path knowing that we all have to improve some things."

AN INTENSE WEEK
"Newcastle was the first match in the Champions League group stage: we wanted to win and it's a shame that we didn't manage to but we can hold on to the various good things that we did. We have to continue looking forward, focusing on situations where we aren't careful and performing well. We are definitely planning to distribute the energy, it'll be clear in matches then, which players need more rest. You can go ahead with a strategy, but this can change after every match".

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