Pioli defends ‘artist’ Rafael Leao but warns Milan about Zirkzee | OneFootball

Milan coach Stefano Pioli defends Rafael Leao, saying that the Portuguese star is ‘an artist’ but warns his players about Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The Rossoneri host Bologna at the Stadio Meazza on Saturday night, and Leao is one of the main talking points in the Red and Black side of the Navigli, given that the Portuguese hasn’t scored a Serie A goal since September.

“We have scored more goals than last season, and we have the second-best attack in the league, and Rafa has had a role in this,” said Pioli as quoted by Milannews.

“He is a reference point who is offering us many solutions. He is one of the best Serie A players for assists. I love Rafa and his way of being, he is an artist, a genius who listens. This is the crucial thing.

“It’s true, he is not scoring many goals, but he’s delivering many assists,” continued Pioli.

“He always keeps two opponents busy. Of course, there are many expectations, sometimes even too many, but he can’t always dribble two opponents and score.

“All players work on specific things with staff members. Rafa has demanded to work on curlers because he feels he can improve in this aspect. We work on individual qualities of every player, before and after training sessions.”

Bologna have been one of the most surprising teams in Serie A this season, being in the race for the top four. They can rely on Zirkzee, who is said to be a transfer target for Milan for 2024-25.

“I think the team is in a good moment. We are doing well because we’ve won a few games lately. We must only think about tomorrow’s game. Our future is tomorrow’s game,” said Pioli.

“I prepared the game yesterday and I tried to motivate the lads. It will be a difficult game tomorrow, Bologna play good football. We have prepared to put in a great performance.

“Zirzkee is a young player who I had followed at Bayern Munich and when he was at Parma. Now he is more complete, more involved, and of great quality. We must keep an eye on him because Bologna rely a lot on him. He is a strong player. For the way we play, we’d like our midfielders to work hard on their midfielders and our centre-backs to focus on their striker.”

Pioli was also asked about Maignan and who he had been training after receiving racist insults in the previous Serie A game against Udinese.

“Congrats to Udinese for how they behaved and handled the situation,” said Pioli.

“There must be a sure punishment for those who act like this. Mike is serene and strong; he is proud of the support he has received from the whole world, and he’s been working well,” said the Rossoneri coach.

Even if Simone Inzaghi and Massimiliano Allegri have claimed Milan are still involved in the Scudetto race, Pioli insisted that the Rossoneri must focus on one game at a time.

“At the moment, we are not in the race, but we must focus on ourselves and our results,” he said.

Olivier Giroud is expected to start against Bologna tomorrow, but Pioli is pleased with Luka Jovic’s recent performances.

“There are important figures that characterise our season, so we must continue to insist,” he said.

“I believe we are the team that scores the most goals in the first half, it means we have a great approach. Perhaps we are also the team that scores the most goals with substitutes, so everyone feels involved. We must absolutely continue like this. There is a chance to change games with five substitutions. Jovic has changed and he is finally fit. I rely on him even if he will probably start on the bench tomorrow.”