Olivier Giroud spoke to the media after scoring s brace in the 2-2 draw between AC Milan and Napoli this evening. However, the Frenchman was certainly not happy with the outcome of the game, as the Rossoneri lost a two-goal lead.
Giroud was incredibly efficient in the first half as he found the back of the net twice in quick succession. Milan had a few chances to make it 3-0 but headed into the break with what looked like a comfortable lead. However, Napoli scored two goals relatively early in the second half.
Speaking to MilanTV and DAZN, as cited by MilanNews, Giroud shared his frustration after another game with dropped points. He made it clear that Milan need to do a lot better, seeing as they are competing for the Scudetto.
On the game…
“I’m frustrated and angry about this result. We had the game in our hands. In the first half, we could have scored four goals. At the break, we told ourselves to be ready in the second half because they would have played another game, but in the end… We are frustrated.”
What happened after their goal?
“After the first goal, they gained confidence and we didn’t know whether we should continue to attack or defend. I’m disappointed.”
And now?
“We’re talking about the Scudetto, we wanted to react, we’re competitive, we had to get the three points. Maybe it’s because I’m disappointed. We train to win matches. We created chances and scored, but we have to be even more demanding of ourselves. It’s a shame. We should have won.”
On his return to scoring…
“It’s very important for a striker to score goals. Today I had two top crosses from my teammates. Maybe it’s because I always want more crosses like this. I’m happy for myself, I hadn’t scored in five Serie A games and it was too long. But I’m not 100% satisfied: I’m a team player and I want the best for the team. I’m frustrated.”
On the reaction after the substitution…
“Normal, we are men. I’m not a robot, I have emotions. I thought I could still help the team but it’s the coach who makes his choices and I have a lot of respect for him. After five minutes, I calmed down.”
Do we need a deputy Giroud?
“I think we already have a deputy Giroud, we don’t need 5 or 6 strikers. We have a good team of quality and quantity. Once again, we created many opportunities, with a good offensive game.”
Udinese are up next for Milan and that is scheduled for Saturday, so questions can be asked regarding the decision to take off Giroud in the final 10 minutes tonight. After all, he had proven to be very lethal.
Pioli realised we can’t win the game. Small statistic chances when you have 2-0 and than 2-2, to score goal in last 15 min when all players are tired.
No confidence in team and still Giroud and Leao are most important players. He did good decision to bench them and avoid possible injuries.
Iirc 5-7 minutes before Giroud got subbed, his face looks in pain and him limping on his leg after he crashed with one of Napoli player. That’s why Pioli subbed him especially after so many injured players. Even Kalulu and Pellegrino also got injured today.
While I support Pioli overall, he should always be blamed for the same mistake over and over: Krunic.
Ask pioli why he wants krunic, bc his dynamism, old story.
Bringing a fresh striker for the last 10min is not a strange decision that should be overanalyzed. Had Calabria scored the header he got from Jovic´s flick you all would be praising the sub.
As much as I criticize pioli, yesterday’s result wasn’t too much his fault (aside perhaps the fact that he always choose Krunic as a regular).
Pulisic got injured, Kalulu got injured and he can’t risk losing Giroud to an injury.
And it’s not his fault either that Reijnders can’t shoot to save his life and Leao is on his “garbage” mode.
But frankly, he has to show courage and confront Leao about his last games and bench him. And tactically, Reijnders should be rested for the next game.
But that’s all my personal opinion
I don’t have a problem with bringing Okafor in for Leao there, but Giroud earned the right to stay on. Especially because Jovic has shown absolutely nothing so far, and as we have seen all it takes is one good cross for Giroud to get his head on and its a goal.
Perhaps Pioli was afraid of an injury.
But yes this is a substitution that proves Pioli had given up on victory and decided to hang on to the draw.