AC Milan got back to winning ways this evening as they beat Torino by one goal to nil at San Siro. Stefano Pioli was understandably relieved as he spoke to the media afterwards, but he knows that the road is still long.
After seven games without a win, the Rossoneri bounced back and claimed all three points against Torino this evening. Olivier Giroud ended up being the big hero as he scored the winner in the second half with a trademark header.
Speaking to DAZN, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli shared his thoughts on the win and was asked about the role of Rafael Leao, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“We absolutely must see this as a rebirth. We knew it would be difficult, that Torino don’t allow you to build moves cleanly with their high press, but we worked really hard both offensively and defensively,” he began.
“The goal removed a mental block too, we played better than at the start of the game. It was a small step that we needed. We work every day to achieve results, we haven’t been able to achieve that in recent weeks, which caused us both mental and physical pain.”
On his celebration after the goal: “When I was celebrating, I felt pain (laughs). We work every day to get results and we haven’t succeeded. Getting into the Champions League again would be a good result, but there are many games to go. An important victory but we must give continuity.”
On the formation: “I think the coach has to analyze the team’s performance and figure out where to start again. We were conceding four goals per game and something was missing. We have the characteristics to play in a different way, but I’m not interested in playing with a three or a four-man defence.
“We need to find brilliance and start over from a more solid defensive phase. Then we’ll go back to playing with four, when we have better conditions, but the important thing is to have this spirit. It’s the first step that must be continuous to our growth.
“We’ll see, I have to see Tomori and Bennacer’s conditions. We face teams that look a lot like us, we’ll see what strategies to adopt. The team has evolved from a tactical point of view.”
On Leao: “Rafa is a strange player. I’ve always thought that putting him wide would help him, but these days, where I’ve tried him, he said it’s his favourite position. But he wants and must work on the pitch in that position. We’ll also see based on the opponents.”
On Giroud: “Oli is very important. He’s a leader, but I think Milan have many important players.”
On the results: “You feel the negative results, you live the day, the week with tension and concern, with less serenity, but coaching such a responsible group… we can’t forget the support of the fans. The team is trying to get back to playing at certain levels.”
Milan will take on Tottenham in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday and tonight’s win was a much-needed confidence boost ahead of that. Of course, it still won’t be an easy game for Pioli’s men.
