Stefano Pioli has admitted that not scoring in the two Champions League games so far this season is AC Milan’s ‘biggest mistake’, but he was happy with the defensive effort.
Milan were forced to settle for another draw in Europe after they also endured a 0-0 stalemate against Newcastle in their first group stage game. Like that match, the Rossoneri had the best chances and will feel that they missed a big chance to win.
It is another point and another clean sheet for the Rossoneri, who now sit third in the group with two points, two behind leaders Newcastle United and one behind PSG who they play away and home in the next two games.
Pioli spoke to the reporters who gathered in the conference room at Signal Iduna Park to answer their questions after the draw last night, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
How do you think the game went?
“The first half we didn’t play an excellent match, we suffered more. In the second half better, with more quality and compactness, not being able to score is very disappointing. Zero goals in two Champions League matches is our biggest mistake, we need to be more clinical.”
How does the group look now?
“Football is unpredictable. All in all we were better than Newcastle and tonight they scored four goals against PSG. Every match has its own story. It won’t be the last surprise of the group which will remain very balanced until the final day.”
You brought Okafor on in the second half…
“Giroud had his chance, he did an excellent job for the team. In the first half, anyone playing up front would have struggled. In the second half we wanted to win, the spaces opened up. We weren’t able to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Milan create a lot of chances but score few goals…
“Many things we do are positive, but we have not been concrete and ruthless. I want to start again from the many positive things we are doing.”
It was another clean sheet in Europe though…
“The performance of the team that never gave up gives me satisfaction, the fact of being solid and attentive is good, the performance of the two central defenders was of the highest level. The boys were disappointed in the dressing room, because we wanted to win.”
