It’s time for the Europa League again. Just one week on from their win at Celtic Park, AC Milan are preparing to host Sparta Praha at San Siro on Thursday at 18:55 CET. On the eve of the upcoming clash on matchday two in Group H,  Stefano Pioli and Rade Krunić held a joint press conference at Milanello. Here the words of the Coach and Bosnian midfielder.

STEFANO PIOLI

THE DIFFICULTY OF THE GROUP
“We’re in a tough group which will put us to the test, meaning we’ll be forced to carry on performing at a high level. Sparta have won all six of their league matches, they had a man sent off but were very much in the game against Lille. They’ll be a difficult opponent to overcome.”

THE DRAW AGAINST ROMA
“It’s only natural that my players weren’t satisfied with the 3-3 draw against Roma: we had the opportunity to win. We always try to demand the best, but we came off the pitch knowing that we’re heading down the right path.”

TĂTĂRUŞANU AND THE TEAM
“There will be a few changes, we’re playing a lot of matches and expending a lot of energy. We’re going through an important but also very demanding spell. I spoke with Ciprian, he has my full confidence and also that of the team. The players need to help each other and motivate themselves, and this is what they’re doing. The players still don’t know what the team will be, I will assess things between today and tomorrow. I don’t like to talk about changes, I’ll send a strong and competitive team onto the pitch.”

THE SQUAD RIGHT NOW
“I’m not thinking about the January transfer market, and neither are the team. We’ll know what to do if an opportunity arises, but first there are many matches to play.”

IBRAHIMOVIĆ’S CONDITION
“We’re playing every three days, and, after tomorrow’s match, we’ll be returning to the pitch on Sunday. I’m not going to ask Zlatan if he wants to play, I already know what his response will be. The important thing is to have many players available.”

FRANCO BARESI: AC MILAN’S HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENT
“I’m very pleased and I’d like to compliment the Club on this decision. Franco is an AC Milan legend, he’ll be able to transmit all of AC Milan’s values. I can’t wait for him to come to Milanello to talk to the players and myself. The more we’re surrounded by people that are well-versed in AC Milan’s values, the more we’ll be able to grow.”

RADE KRUNIĆ

MALDINI’S PRAISE
“I was pleased to hear what the directors, Paolo and the Coach had to say: they’re counting on me, and that means a lot after last year, when I picked up a fair few injuries and wasn’t able to perform at the level I was expecting of myself. I think I can give a lot to AC Milan.”

HIS ROLE
“I like playing as part of a three-man trident behind the attacker. It was a role that I played in while at Empoli and it allows me to be more of a threat, as was the case in Glasgow. I’m capable of doing well as both an attacking playmaker and in a deeper role in midfield: I have different characteristics compared to my teammates. I can give this team different solutions, I’m at AC Milan’s disposal and will play wherever I’m asked, with this also depending on the match.”

RELATIONSHIP WITH PIOLI
“The Coach always asks us to give our all. When I play, I display determination and commitment, giving all that I have. His arrival at AC Milan has been important. He’s given me confidence and immediately played me. It’s also because of him that I remained here.”

TOMORROW’S MATCH
“A tough match awaits against a team that we’ll analyse thoroughly. We don’t know them well, and that’s a big difference compared to our matches in Serie A. They’re a team that will look to play with a high intensity and tempo, just like us. We’ll prepare for the match well, study them closely and aim to win in order to carry on our good start in the group.”