Stefano Pioli insists his side needs to be composed against Empoli, he also admits like working with former Chelsea player Oliver Giroud.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli insists his side needs to be fully composed against a tough side Empoli in the Serie A game.
AC Milan will host Empoli as they Pioli side will seek to maintain their top position on the league table.
Pioli while speaking ahead of the game at San Siro admits how difficult it is to face the Empoli and how they play different style.
He added that his side will have to be composed as he claims they are in good shape ahead of the game.
“Empoli are a very dynamic and technical side, and we’ll need to be attentive and composed in our work”, Pioli said. We know the difficulties we’ll encounter, and I’m convinced that we’re in good shape heading into the game.
“They can play in different ways, are unpredictable and their midfielders make plenty of forward runs. Their objective at the start of the season was to stay up, and they’re very close to achieving this. Andreazzoli deserves credit for the job he’s done. In the reverse fixture, they caused us a lot of problems.
“Every single game is different. We need to play with consistency and like we know how – with tempo – so our qualities come to the fore. This game against Empoli is worrying me: we watched the reverse fixture back and know that we’ll need to give our all.
“The players know just how important tomorrow’s match is at this current moment in time; our past experiences have taught us a few things. We need to fight, dig in and win when we play. We also need to be humble.”
Pioli further talk about his players has he hail Giroud for his effort so far for the team and admits he likes working with him.
He added that Ibrahimovic gives everything for the team which the team benefit from.
“I like everything about Olivier: how he plays, how he works for the team both in and out of possession. He’s a fantastic professional and someone who is determined and calm; it’s a pleasure to work with him. With his charisma and personality, Zlatan gives everything, and the team benefit a lot from this. He knows when to be in the area and when to drop back. His presence is important. He’s doing better and will provide us with support.
“Tonali is doing fine, as are Kessie, Bennacer and Díaz. Eleven players play on the pitch, but the important thing is to have different characteristics on the bench. We have suitable starters and also the right players to come on.”
