23 January 2021
The Bianconeri will take to the field for the first time since winning the Super Cup on Wednesday evening, and after getting a taste of his first silverware as a Coach, Pirlo is looking to add many more to his cabinet, including the Scudetto. In order to achieve it, he knows that the team need to bounce back to winning ways in the league, starting with Bologna.
Here are his thoughts:
THOUGHT ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Winning helps you to win even more, and so conquering the Super Cup has brought a lot of great enthusiasm. Despite there being a bit of fatigue, we've trained really well ahead of our next objective: Juve-Bologna. When you play with the attitude of Wednesday night you go even beyond the slightest things that go against you, and the results arrive. That said, everything can be improved upon. We spoke about it this morning too.
TEAM’S FORM
We haven't been consistent but we're continuing to work on it. Ups and downs are a problem that everyone has had, as the results confirm. Almost all sides concede, there's little time for preparation and there are many matches, resulting in mental fatigue. We are calm and satisfied with the squad that we have. The problems have been Covid and injuries, not the squad. I don't look often at the data, but I'm cautious about how we hold onto the ball and occupy the field. The goal is to keep possession, run less and counter fast, keeping opponents on their toes.
TITLE RACE
The race for the title is between the top 5-6 teams, Milan are the side to beat, as they are in the lead. We think about winning many matches, and there are many games against the top sides to be played in Turin, then we'll see where we will be in April.
PLAYER UPDATE
Chiellini was fired up on Wednesday, having just come back from a long period out, but he is recovering very well. We have almost everyone back, including Merih Demiral. Chiesa can play on the left but also on the inside when Cristiano goes wide. It's important for us that the positions are covered. McKennie is giving us a lot, he moves incredibly between the lines. Tomorrow, Szczesny will start in goal. Dragusin could play in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. Tomorrow, I'll choose between Chiellini and Demiral.
TIGHT AT THE BACK
We have one of the best defences in the league, but it's been difficult for us to finish a match without conceding a goal. However, a fundamental phase remains, usually the Scudetto is won by teams with the best defences.
KULU INFLUENCE
Kulusevski is having a great season, he's an intelligent and ambitious guy. Tomorrow, he could also start from the off. Dejan can play in several roles: as a second striker but also as a midfielder. Right now, we're using him a second striker, as he can move more freely and feels more at ease.
PIRLO’S FOCUS
I have been working from day one with the same enthusiasm and the same desire. I know I have to improve and that the team and I can grow. Winning a trophy doesn't change anything because I want to lift many others.
