The AC Milan team were on a plane to Rome when they learned about their Champions League opponents, and let’s just say it might have caused a bit of turbulence.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recall how Milan have been drawn against Paris Saint Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle. The crew informed the manager (of the squad) and it was then Stefano Pioli who passed it on to the team and staff.
There was no particular sign of dismay from the players, despite the group being objectively challenging, while Pioli also spoke himself before the draw: “Last year we had a great Champions League. This year we will return to face it with great motivation and enthusiasm.
“Being in the third tier will probably see us in a complicated group, and that’s normal. You don’t always get what you want, but what you want to fight for. I learned that you must never lose faith in your players but always be positive and flexible.”
Milan will need both positivity and flexibility, i.e. the ability to adapt to various situations. The opponents are tough, the Champions League calendar will fit into an equally tough league schedule.
The Rossoneri will make their European debut after facing Inter in the derby and before the trip to Verona. The second match of the group will arrive at the beginning of October, after a Serie A match against another top team, Lazio.
The third round of the Champions League falls between Juve at home and Napoli away. The last group game comes after facing Atalanta. Which is why Pioli wanted a large squad with better depth.
Beyond the technical aspect, the emotional one is also relevant. Gigio Donnarumma will come back to Milan, after his controversial farewell in the summer of 2021, while Sandro Tonali will return too after he was sold to Newcastle.
There will be a ‘family’ battle between the Hernandez brothers, Theo and Lucas, who will be opponents in Milan-PSG. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic goes back to Dortmund, and it is worth remembering that Mike Maignan and Yacine Adli were at PSG too.
Pioli will lead ac milan to group stage, not even Europa, but last last 4th place
Pioli will lead ac milan to group stage exit with his stubbornness , not even Europa, but last last 4th place
I’ll be waiting for your comment once we’ve won the group.
Youre the type of person to get on here and speak about how great pioli is if we get through the group stage. Cut the bs
Pioli use your tactics well Stefano Pioli the problems you have is that you Don’t know how to use players you have all the Good and solid players use this line up
M.maignan
Calabria, Kjaer, Pellegrano, Hernandez
Krunic, rejnder
Chukwueze,Romero/musah, leao/pulisic
(Colombo)
Geroud/Okafor