AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli outlined why he thinks things have taken a positive turn for Luka Jovic, and he also spoke about reported target Joshua Zirkzee.
It would be fair to say that Jovic struggled in his first couple of months at the club, needing time to get himself back to his best condition and requiring time to adapt to Pioli’s schemes.
When the right moment arrived, the numbers followed: the Serbian has amassed six goals (and one assist) in the last eight games across all competitions at an average of a goal every 60 minutes.
Pioli spoke to the reporters who gathered at Milanello on the eve of the game for his pre-match press conference, and he was asked what has clicked for Jovic.
“There are two important numbers in our season that we must insist on. I believe that we are the team that scores the most in the first half, which means an excellent approach to matches,” he said.
“And perhaps also the team that has had the most goals from substitutes, so it means availability and participation on the part of all the players. We absolutely must continue like this.
“Now with the five substitutions we can change the matches. This attitude of availability must be one of our strong points. Jovic has changed and is finally well physically.
“He is happy, calm, he’s fine. I’ve never had any doubts about his quality. He’s a player I rely on a lot even though he’ll probably start from the bench tomorrow too.”
It could be a potential glimpse into the future for Milan tomorrow night as well, given that Zirkzee has been repeatedly linked with a summer move, as has head coach Thiago Motta.
Pioli was asked what his thoughts on the Dutchman are and he seemed to confirm that he is a player that the club have tracked for some time.
“He is a young player who I followed in the past at Bayern and then when he went to play at Parma. Now he is much more complete, more involved in the game, great technical quality.
“He will be taken into great consideration by our defensive phase. He is a player on whom Bologna relies a lot, he is a strong player.”
