Pioli | “Attention to detail is key”

New AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli insists that attention to detail will bring advantages to his side ahead of their match at home to Lecce on Sunday evening.

“We haven’t had many days to work together, but the important thing will be proving we’ve got clear ideas in tomorrow’s game,” admitted the former Fiorentina man in his pre-match press conference.

“We’ve got to get to know each other. My method is focused on the details, from recovery exercises to diet, all to bring us advantages on the field and let us play to the best of our abilities. I didn’t ask players what went wrong, just that we are starting a new journey together.

“I think the team needed ideas, knowing what positions to take and the intensity of the tempo, so that’s what we are working on.

“We abolished the pre-game training camp overnight stay in order to give players responsibility for their professional approach. After all, retreats aren’t what they used to be, now there’s no team bonding when everyone is on their phones.”

“My thinking regarding taking the job was that I’m going to a prestigious club with a great history, so it’s an honour to be here. If you are in charge of Milan, playing at San Siro must be added motivation rather than a worry.

“I feel that I am prepared for a job like this. I wasn’t a good Coach 20 years ago, which is why I made the most of even the negative experiences in order to improve myself. I’ll be 54 years old tomorrow and I think I have the maturity to work at this level.”

“I will decide my line-up this afternoon, although I tend to only announce it to the team in the morning of the match, if our game kicks off late.

“I told [Krzysztof] Piatek to believe in himself. If we are at Milan, it means we’ve got quality and we must show that. Rafael Leao is more of a centre-forward than a wide attacker, but he does have great potential and can give results straight away.”