Stefano Pioli previewed the clash with Porto earlier today: “Unfortunately, we have not been able to give our fans the satisfaction they deserve in Champions League. We must not think about other matches. This game will be the final crossroads. We have the quality to turn things around. Even if we thought we would have deserved more, we have zero points. We made too many mistakes in the first tilt. We have to take advantage of this opportunity. Having success in this competition hinges on small details.”
Pioli steered away from the controversies of Roma-Milan: “We won because we played better. We lost to Porto because we did not do as well. That is my belief. I do not concern myself with things I can not control or with opinions coming from outside the club. It would be a waste of energy. We had a good outing Sunday, both tactically and in terms of character.”
Pioli discussed the opponent: “They were very aggressive, but we should have handled the ball better. We could have moved in a more effective way to help things out. Porto are a strong side and have a few high-caliber players up front. We must be lucid and precise, avoid errors on easy play and keep being proactive and dangerous.”
Pioli did not disclose whether Olivier Giroud would get the start but spoke about his pending extension: “I am very happy with the relationship I have with the team and the executives. It is important to see your work being recognized. We are all convinced that we can continue together.”