Stefano Pioli declared himself pleased with Milan’s response to a poor run of form and set Milan the goal of finishing in the top four of Serie A.
Milan recently went seven games without a victory in all competitions, dropping three straight league games before breaking the losing streak last Friday against Torino.
Following up on that triumph, the Rossoneri defeated Tottenham 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match, with Spurs failing to respond to Brahim Diaz’s early header.
Pioli, who faced harsh criticism for his tactical changes during Milan’s poor run, has been vindicated by those wins, though he still believes they must work harder to finish in the top four.
“Everyone experiences the results with their gut; we have to be impervious to both criticism and excessive praise,” Pioli said at a press conference to preview Saturday’s trip to Monza.
“It’s the league season that gives us the concrete possibility of playing in the Champions League again next year. I’ve seen the things I wanted to see.
“We’re coming from two very good games, and we’re trying to win tomorrow. The next game will tell how the team is doing, against a team that is doing very well and playing very well.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery, is still on the sidelines for Milan. He was not used as a substitute in the team’s victory over Torino last week.
The 41-year-old striker is available to play against Monza despite not being included in the matchday squad for Tuesday’s victory over Spurs due to Olivier Giroud’s performance, which forces Pioli to make a choice.
“The more [Ibrahimovic] trains, the more his condition increases. He’ll be available tomorrow, too,” Pioli said.
“Giroud is doing very well, [Divock] Origi is doing well, too, and tomorrow I’ll see what choices to make.”
Silvio Berlusconi, who previously owned Milan, will be present at the game on Saturday. Berlusconi oversaw Monza’s stunning ascent to the top division after buying the team in 2018.
The 86-year-old recently declared Portugal international Rafael Leao should be used in a central striking role by Milan, and Pioli was in no mood to argue with him.
“I always agree with Berlusconi,” Pioli smiled. “Always.”
