Pioli: Milan has become more mature... and Ibrahimovic's absence continues
Milan coach Stefano Pioli said that his team has become more mature and aware this year, while competing for the Italian Serie A title and is currently seeking to advance to the top of the standings.
Milan's chance of winning the local league title for the first time since the 2010-2011 season was enhanced last weekend, after its 2-1 victory over champion Inter Milan at the top of Milan, to reduce the difference with the leading neighbor to one point.
Last season, Milan held the lead until February 13, then their performance declined and needed to beat Atalanta on the last day of the season to finish second.
"We are fully convinced that the team (now) has become more aware and mature than it was a year ago, and this is normal. We are a very young team, but we have experienced a lot together and developed," Pioli said in a press conference.
"We know that every match has a lot of importance and that we will treat every match with the utmost care," added Pioli.
Milan is currently ranked third among the 20 Italian league teams, behind on goal difference from the second Napoli led by coach Luciano Spalletti, who will meet later in the day at the top of the round with Inter Milan alone in the lead, before Milan host Sampdoria on Sunday.
Pioli confirmed the absence of veteran attacking star Zlatan Ibrahimovic from the squad while he continues to recover from injury, but he expressed his happiness that the French international, Theo Hernandez, extended his contract with the club until 2026 yesterday.
"This is proof that the club has a vision related to the present and the future," said Pioli.
He added: "The renewal of Teo's contract is a significant signal for the situation as a whole. Because the presence of players who feel they belong to a club that thinks about the present and the future shows that the club wants to return to the top."
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