Pioli: ‘Ibra not available against Atalanta, but he could play forever’
Milan coach Stefano Pioli expects a determined Atalanta and although Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out of action, the coach believes the striker ‘could play forever.’
Milan’s 5-0 defeat against Atalanta in December 2019 was a turning point for Pioli’s men.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined the club after a few weeks and the Rossoneri began the winning streak that allowed them to return to Champions League for the first time in seven years.
“We have played many games lately, but the same is true of our opponents. We will try to play the game in the best way possible,” Pioli said at a press conference.
“In these years, Atalanta haven’t played with their usual intensity in the first games of the season.
“I watched the game against Inter and it was spectacular.
“It’s a strong team in every way, tactically, technically, physically, I expect a determined and complete Atalanta.
“I see a bit of the beginning of our journey. After that game, we signed Ibra, Kjaer and even Saelemaekers. But our path is not finished, just as the path of Zlatan is not finished.”
Ibrahimovic is recovering from an Achilles injury and won’t be available against Atalanta, Pioli confirmed. The Swede will turn 40 tomorrow.
“I don’t know how many years Zlatan can still play, for what I see, his enthusiasm and his desire to train, I could also say that he could play forever,” Pioli said.
“He may not be 100% for many games but his passion for this sport is incredible. Zlatan does what he likes. If I could give him a gift I would extend his career as much as possible.
“Zlatan is not available for the game, but he is feeling better and will use the break to recover.”
Franck Kessié will face his former club, but he hasn’t had the best start to the season.
The Ivorian was sent off against Atletico Madrid while negotiations to extend his expiring contract at the club continue.
“I am not worried about Kessié,” Pioli admitted.
“Franck’s attitude is the best possible. The same as last season: work, commitment and professionalism. He is the same as last season, it’s normal that he is not 100 per cent fit.
“It’s wrong to judge his performance based on his contract,” the coach continued.
“I assess him for what he gives me on the field. There are a lot of players with their contracts expiring, but there’s not that much fuss.
“There is a negotiation, the time will come for decisions, whether negative or positive. I repeat, I’m not worried.”
However, Kessié may not start against La Dea tomorrow.
“I have three starters, two will play tomorrow. Tonali and Bennacer are doing well, Franck is fine. One of them will help us during the game.”
Junior Messias should be available after recovering from an injury, while Olivier Giroud hasn’t yet recovered from back pain.
“He [Giroud] is not 100 per cent fit yet, I expect him to reach his peak after the break,” Pioli revealed.
“I likedMessias, he tried with us a couple of times. He knows how to stay on the pitch, he is strong in one vs. one situations and can play in different positions. He has great quality and he will help us.”