MONTELLA: "WE WANT TO SECURE OUR QUALIFICATION"
The boss Vincenzo Montella introduced to the media the Europa League clash at San Siro.
AUSTRIA WIEN
“We give a lot of importance to the Europa League, Europe is AC Milan’s home. Until now, we have done well in the competition, but we want to seal the qualification so we can focus on Serie A TIM. The first leg (vs Austria Wien) was a fantastic evening, the team was not at its best conditions and we still played with great hunger and desire. We need to repeat the same performance on Thursday. This match is very important because we have the opportunity to secure one of our first goals of the season".
ON THE INDIVIDUALS
“Suso is not ready. We don't want to take risks with him. We are considering playing with two forwards. Borini has a great team spirit, he makes sacrifices for the group, he never gives up and has an admirable sense of responsibility. Calhanoglu has the potential to make us better and raise our game. We expect a lot from Hakan, he is our most skilful player and I am confident he will continue to improve. Rodriguez and Romagnoli can play together. Ricardo can also play as the fifth midfielder in a 3-man defence. He has always played with me, he started nine games in a row and I just didn't want to risk him against Napoli”.
THE TEAM AND THE SYSTEM OF PLAY
“The boys are very optimistic and they believe in this team. We all have high expectations but if we want to be at the same competitive level as teams like Napoli, we still have to improve several aspects of our game. At San Paolo Stadium we recorded 13 shots on goal, only Atalanta have done better, and our ball possession was higher. These stats show the improvements of our game. Certainly, we have to do better in attack and do better at assisting our forwards. We need to be faster at passing the ball and at making our chances count. On the system of play? I am accused of changing too much my system, but I can't do it differently. I have to consider the players we have available and think about the opponents we face".
A CALL TO THE FANS
“I understand their frustration because of some disappointing results, but we need their optimism and support to bounce back and re-create an enthusiastic atmosphere. Fans have always been there for us and, as always, we are expecting to see a lot of them at San Siro".
(Photo LaPresse)
