AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has said that his team thought they could win the Serie A title from day one, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Stefano Pioli talked about the atmosphere in the AC Milan squad and the belief that they showed last season when they beat Inter to the Serie A title.
He explained that the Rossoneri actually felt that they had what it takes to win the title from the very first day, even though many believed that it would be Inter winning the title again.
“To win you need talent, to repeat you need character. And then I confess: a year ago we didn’t just think we could improve on the previous season’s ranking. From day one we thought we could win.
“This year it will be easier to motivate the group: we must have passion, enthusiasm, the desire to grow, them as a team and me as a coach. We will fight to defend the Scudetto, and in the Champions League to improve.”
Teams around Stefano Pioli’s such as Inter and Juventus have undoubtedly strengthened over the summer but he does not seem to be concerned about that at all.
“No, because we are stronger than a year ago. You can buy the best players, but organisation, desire, spirit make the difference.
“Last year I thought it was strange that they didn’t hold us in high regard, I didn’t suffer it but used it in our favour.
“This year we will only focus on us. Does John Elkann see Inter further ahead? I respect the opinion, but today’s predictions have little value.”
AC Milan have not stood totally still during the summer as they have added Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge and Divock Origi on a free transfer.
