LIVE MN - Pioli: "Ibra has recovered completely, I found him competitive as always"
In a few minutes Stefano Pioli will speak at a press conference on the eve of the match against Shamrock Rovers. It will be the debut of the season for Milan, in an inside out match in Dublin. Follow all the statements of the Rossoneri coach from our website and our official app.
You fought so hard to reach Europe, now we are. What are your feelings?
"The thrill of starting the new season, of trying to realize a path we built last year. The preliminary is just the beginning, we want to get to the groups but we have to think about tomorrow's match. Three weeks of preparation are not so many, we did everything we had to do to be ready ".
An unexpected race ...
"In sport, if you take something for granted, you start with the wrong approach, we know the difficulties of the first match, the opponent plays good football, very proactive. It is a team that is better physically, we must not only think about the difficulties that we will encounter but of the opportunity that we will have. We have some important absences but those who will leave today are ready to face this difficult match ".
Where to start again?
"The important thing is to start from our game concepts and our identity, we know how to build and defend, the eleven will depend on the condition. Tonali, Diaz and Tatarusanu already have a clear idea of what we want to do".
How are the players after such a short break?
"The players needed to disconnect, we preferred to give them a few more days of rest, especially for an environmental issue. We played many close matches. I immediately found them well mentally, when you are comfortable where you work you are more inclined to sacrifice. In these three weeks we have faced all the training sessions and all the friendlies with the right spirit. "
Europe has a different meaning for AC Milan ...
"It has always been the natural habitat of this glorious club. The goal of returning to the Champions League is main, we are ready, aware of the difficulties. Shamrock are fine, they are an intense team, we will have to approach the match well and stay focused. for all 95 minutes ".
How is Ibrahimovic?
"He has recovered completely, he is very well mentally, he is involved as always, I found him as he is, competitive and available to the maximum".
He found Tonali ...
"He is a young boy, but mature and ready. He has already shown his characteristics and will, he is very happy to be here".
What do you think of the market done so far?
"Our transfer market started well in advance, the club wanted to continue what they did last year. These are very important signs, I am very satisfied with the players I have. The transfer market is still long, but me and the team we only have to think about tomorrow's match and the next matches. We hope to have a competitive start, then at the break in October we will also sum up the market ".