AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli feels ‘regret’ that his side were not able to find a way to win against Newcastle United after what was a dominant performance.
Milan were frustrated by Newcastle United in their opening game of the 2023-24 Champions League group stages as they were held to a 0-0 draw. There is no doubting that Milan had the better of the chances over the 90 minutes, but they could not find a way past Nick Pope.
Tommaso Pobega had a shot cleared off the line while there were other heroic blocks to keep the Magpies in it, and Rafael Leao also squandered a chance after a run deep into the box before he fell over. The 0-0 draw keeps the group wide open, while waiting for the PSG-Dortmund result.
Pioli spoke to Milan TV immediately after the game to try and assess what was a positive performance lacking in end product, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
What are your feelings after this match?
“Performance evaluation is easy. We played the game far and wide, but we didn’t finish some rather simple chances well. Regret for not being able to win.
“We must persist and continue to play like this, we played well against a strong opponent and we were a team against a strong opponent, putting everything we had on the pitch.”
What happened with Maignan?
“As he moved to move the ball he felt a twinge behind him. He says small, let’s hope. We play a lot, he also played a lot in the national team, and the risks increase. However, Sportiello entered well and will eventually be ready.”
Pioli also spoke to Sky Italia after the game, and was again asked how he judges the performance.
“I’m very satisfied, we played the game we prepared by having a good build-up phase, trying to always be dangerous. We didn’t finish the opportunities well where we could break the deadlock, which is a shame,” he said.
“We did better than them who are a strong opponent. We have to continue to grow and improve, we have the qualities but when you lose determination you risk a negative result.”
What about Leao’s back heel attempt?
“I thought he would break the deadlock, even Giroud who tried the overhead kick instead of going with his head. The team and the fans deserved to win, tonight we can go off with our heads held high.
“I thank the fans who applauded me, I also understand those who booed me but our fans’ incitement to the team is unique. Unfortunately, what we wanted didn’t arrive.”
Were you afraid that the team wouldn’t respond?
“No, I know my team too well. The disappointment was enormous, it wasn’t easy to talk to the team on Sunday. Since Monday I have reviewed the things that a coach must see in finishing an important match. We needed to play, we had we need to win but we’ll keep the performance.”
The conditions of Loftus-Cheek and Maignan?
“Maignan felt a little something, he says little and I trust him. Loftus-Cheek just a fatigue, a cramp. It’s clear that we play a lot, we play too much and the players who have played for the national team raise the risk of injuries.”
Musah seems like an interesting player…
“Absolutely yes, he needs to be considered tactically and between him and Tommaso I chose Pobega because he gave us important height. He has different characteristics than the other midfielders, his turn will come soon.”
