The players know where we are in the table, they know we are doing well, but must continue like this and pick up as many points as possible, because we haven’t achieved our objective yet,” said the coach in his press conference.
“The work we started in October could not bear fruit immediately. We struggled above all to turn our chances into goals and results. We introduced new ideas and it was always going to take time. Now we have become a team.”
Despite their recent successful streak, taking them up to joint sixth place with Napoli, Pioli is still likely to be replaced by Ralf Rangnick next season.
“There is too much talk about the future, it’s more important to live in the present. Tomorrow is going to be difficult against a Bologna side that put in a huge performance against Napoli. They’re in good shape and we must give our all to beat them. Sinisa Mihajlovic is performing a masterpiece with that team, as he always wants to take the game to the opponent.
“I am enjoying my time at Milan and with this exceptional squad. The next few days are going to be very important and we don’t have time to waste on anything else.
“We want to get as many points as possible and at the end of the day we’ll see where we are. Qualifying directly for the Europa League group stages would be important, but we’ve got some ground to make up. Roma are out in front and we have to keep pushing, being aware of our capabilities.”
After years of disappointing performances, Pioli even seems to be getting the best out of Franck Kessie and Hakan Calhanoglu.
“This is modern football, they have characteristics and capabilities that allow them to both attack and defend. They are intelligent players who know how to adapt to each rapidly-changing situation.”
Ibrahimovic played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 win against Parma midweek, but could be rested here.
“Today and tomorrow’s training sessions will be important. He feels good, I’ll decide based on my starting XI and the need to have options off the bench,” concluded Pioli.
, Suso, Bonaventura, Calhanoglu, Kessie, Cutrone, Paqueta, Bakayo
