MONTELLA: "AEK A KEY MATCH TO SEAL FIRST PLACE"
It's time for Europa League and once again Vincenzo Montella, together with Patrick Cutrone, addressed the media at the press conference on the eve of the San Siro clash against AEK Athens (Kick-off at 21.05 CEST). This is what he had to say:
ON THE DERBY LOST
"We played really well in the second half, with 70% ball possession and 10 shots on goal. But in the first 45 minutes, we conceded Inter only one shot on goal and we had one as well through Borini. So, I didn't see this great difference between the two sides".
ON THE TEAM'S IMPROVEMENT
"I am convinced that over these last games and through the defeats as well, the team is improving. Against Roma and Inter we deserved more. Had we drawn we would be in a different situation. I am working to understand which is the right 'outfit' for this team".
ON THE MATCH VS AEK ATHENS
"Tomorrow is an important opportunity to seal first place in the group, it's important to keep up the good work in Europa League. AEK Athens play dynamic football they can adapt to the opponents and can play in a 3- or 4-man defence. It's a team made up of pacey players and they have the second-best number of shots on target. We have to interpret the game the right way".
EUROPEAN PATH
"Europe is AC Milan's home and we are happy with how we have done so far. We would like to do this well also in Serie A TIM. But I want to highlight how well we have done in this competitions".
SQUAD ROTATION
"I will make a few changes in the line-up although I want to be as consistent as possible with the starting XI".
IMPROVEMENTS
"We need to improve off the ball because we don't concede that much but despite this, we concede too many goals. Defensively we have to improve our positioning as a team and need to avoid mistakes from the individuals".
CHANGES
"Changes in the system of play? I will make a few adjustments but I think the team in the last two matches did really well. I think it was hard to play better than this with ten new players".
INDIVIDUALS
"Patrick has improved a lot, it's really pleasing for myself and the management as we decided to keep him with us. Bonucci? He's paying for every single mistake we make in the match. But he's improving".
Alongside the coach was Patrick Cutrone who touched on several topics, from his start to the season, through to the team's situation and the defeat in the derby: "We are angry because we deserved more against Inter. We played a really good first half. Now we are fully focused on the next match and want to bounce back". Was I expecting to play this much back in July? "No, and I want to thank the boss for believing in me". Does this mean I am under more pressure? "I don't feel under pressure. I am only focused on training well and think one game at the time".
(Photo LaPresse)
