The lads are back after the break: here's what the coach had to say on the eve of the game
Now that the break is over, Serie A is back: ten matchdays left, we have one final run of intense, difficult games. The first obstacle is Sampdoria: the game is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 3 April at 12:30 CEST, at San Siro. On the eve of the game, Pioli talked at a press conference at Milanello to discuss this challenge.
RESPONSIBILITY
"We have responsibilities but we've always handled them with conviction and confidence. We're heading into the decisive part of the season; everything we've done in the past months has led us to this point. We need to have the mindset that every game will be tough and we have to give our all to get to the end of the season without any regrets. We'll take stock at the end."
THE BREAK
"If I'd had the chance to give everyone a rest, I'd have done it. The players that stayed home worked well and all of our internationals have returned fit apart from Brahim, who picked up a knock and we'll know in the next few hours whether he'll be available. These breaks take away your work, attention and preparation for games, but we absolutely need to concentrate on this match and not think about the future. Quality and motivation make the difference in games - these are abundant on both sides."
SCUDETTO DREAMS
"We totally believe in what we're doing. Calmness, confidence and a lot of work: this is our way of operating. There are 30 points available, which is a lot, and the fight will be hard. We have to think about tomorrow's game, which pits us against a decent side, who are doing well and are led by a who, who I rate highly and who taught me so much. The team needs to think positively; we know full well that we need to display conviction and hope in our performances."
RENEWALS
"When I spoke about calmness, I was speaking about just this issue - I can see it in the eyes of Hakan, Zlatan and Gigio. They're concentrating and now that the future is now, the same goes for all of us. It would change a lot depending on whether we get Champions League football or not."
(Photo Getty Images)
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Source: legaseriea.it