Stefano Pioli was understandably displeased with AC Milan’s 2-0 loss against Chelsea this evening. The Rossoneri were never really given a chance due to the red card, which the manager felt was incorrect.
Just 18 minutes into the game, the German referee Siebert awarded a penalty to Chelsea and also gave a red card to Fikayo Tomori. Upon watching the replays, many have stated that it shouldn’t have been a penalty at all.
Speaking to Mediaset after the game, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli was not only asked about the clash in general but also the penalty. He refused to view the images as they were playing, stating that the choice was too simple.
On the game…
“The game started and I had the feeling that we could do well. The penalty and the red card changed the game, against an already strong opponent. We had opportunities to reopen the game. It’s a shame: the feeling was that we could have done well.”
Do you want to review the penalty?
“No, I think it’s too obvious and too simple to judge. I told the referee what I thought at the end of the game, I don’t speak English fluently but I think he understood…”
Will the team react?
“Certainly, I can guarantee it. Negative result, but fate is in our hands: if we want to prove that we are competitive in Europe as well, we must win the next two and we have the possibility.”
Do you believe in progressing to the next round?
“Absolutely yes, we have to believe it. We want to go to Zagreb to play our football and the same goes for here against Salzburg. San Siro? We paid dearly for the penalty and the red card. We thank the fans for their support.”
Milan, thanks to the draw in Dinamo-Salzburg, have been handed a lifeline as they now need to win the last two games to secure qualification. Less could be enough, but that would depend on the results of Chelsea.
