Week 1: Udinese - Milan 25/08/19 18:00 CET

“This is a dream for me and a big opportunity for both myself and these players,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“I am in an extraordinary club and I have a vision, an idea of where we want to go and the steps to get there. I need time to work with the players and this system, without backing off, even if there are difficulties.

“Being at Milan is a privilege, something that few get to experience in their lifetime. Milan have millions and millions of fans all over the world and that’s all you need to know for what this club represents.”

Giampaolo warned that fans should not expect to see many new faces in the starting XI tomorrow.

“The work has been going as planned, although some players arrived later to training than others. When the season begins, you have fewer training sessions at your disposal and those who weren’t here from the start need more time to catch up. We already worked on the details with the squad throughout the summer, but others are a bit behind.

“Tomorrow we’ll play those who are in the best shape physically and in terms of their collective knowledge of the project. We might be leaving some very strong players on the bench, but right now I don’t know what their conditions are.

“Ismael Bennacer wasn’t too bad when he arrived and could play as a substitute late on tomorrow, while there will be time to introduce all the others. We need to bring everyone into the project.

“Milan will still be competitive tomorrow with 11 real players. I am not worried that Krzysztof Piatek hasn’t been scoring in pre-season, as he struggles a little more with heavy training schedules. He is our designated penalty taker this season.

“Everyone saw Suso as a winger, which is where he always played, but he worked really well as a trequartista and never refused to try something new. I am happy Suso is staying, but the transfer window is still open and anything can happen.”

Pepe Reina, Lucas Biglia, Mattia Caldara and Theo Hernandez are out injured for the trip to Udine, but transfer-listed Diego Laxalt, Andre Silva and Samu Castillejo are included.

“It’s a pity we lost Lucas, as he was doing well and I like him both as a player and a man. We’re introducing Jack Bonaventura back in slowly.

“Andre Silva is a little affected by the transfer market being open, but he is training well, it’s not as if he is just sitting there waiting. I can count on him and I see him today as a Milan player, so if I need him, he’ll play.”

The Rossoneri are prepared to shell out €50m for Atletico Madrid forward Angel Correa, so Giampaolo was asked what he thinks of the Argentine.

“I don’t know him.”

Click to expand...

KujaIX said:

Piatek taking PK duties from Kessie. Interesting.

Click to expand...

fray said:

Donnarumma

Calabria - Musacchio - Romagnoli - Rodriguez

Kessie - Bennacer - Paqueta

Suso

Leao - Piatek

Click to expand...

CDarius said:

We face inter in the 4th round. We should have 9points by then (Udine, Brescia, verona) ....

Click to expand...