After the disappointing defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Stefano Pioli shared his thoughts with the media. AC Milan’s chances of reaching the Round of 16 are not looking good, and the manager knows they are left needing a miracle to qualify.
After conceding an early penalty, following a penalty miss of their own, Milan got back into the game thanks to a lovely goal from Samuel Chukwueze. He stepped right when the Rossoneri needed it and for a long time, a second goal was in the air too.
However, Stefano Pioli was dealt another injury as Malick Thiaw had to be replaced by Rade Krunic, and that’ when things fell apart. Speaking to Mediaset after the game (via MilanNews), the manager provided his outlook on yet another tough night.
Milan will face Newcastle in the final round and winning that clash will not be enough for qualification. The Rossoneri will also have to rely on the already-qualified Dortmund to beat Paris Saint-German at home. In short, the situation is far from ideal.
“I think we lost it when we could direct it, but we lost it when we missed a 3-on-1 counterattack. Thiaw changed our defensive balance. In the moments where we had to go above and beyond, our opponents were better and smarter than us,” he said.
“It’s clear that it was a disappointing evening. We had a great opportunity and it weighs on us that we didn’t succeed. We have a duty to go to Newcastle and try to win. We have a small chance and we’ll go there to play for it.”
On the injury situation: “It’s worrying, they too had some difficulties. They play too much. Then Malick was having a great game, but then it becomes difficult to replace.”
A message the fans: “It’s difficult to find the words, I don’t think the fans need my words. We have to do better.”
On the chances of getting through: “We have one chance: to win in Newcastle. Of course it doesn’t depend on us.”
