AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has admitted that the performance against Udinese was unacceptable, but affirmed his belief that the team have what it takes to react immediately against Paris Saint-Germain.
Milan are under pressure after a run of four games without a win, three of which were losses against Juventus, PSG and Udinese. Responding with a positive performance is therefore paramount not just because of the bad run of form, but also to keep qualification hopes alive in the Champions League.
The game in Paris highlighted a lot of the fears that fans and the media have about the Rossoneri as it was a comfortable 3-0 defeat which featured a lot of defensive vulnerability and the concession of multiple dangerous counter-attacks.
Pioli spoke alongside ex-PSG man Mike Maignan at the pre-match press conference this afternoon at Milanello, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
What are Milan missing?
“We disappointed everyone on Saturday, this is quite evident. We have to do everything the opposite and we have to put it right. I know I coach a responsible, attentive team with the possibility of playing a great match.”
Could tomorrow’s game be a breakthrough?
“If we’re talking about the Champions League, absolutely yes. We can no longer hope for positive results from the opposing teams. It will be very difficult because the opponent is of the highest level.
“We can play a great match because I have strong players and we have the right ideas to put them in difficulty.”
The team have had a difficult recent period…
“We paid too much for some results where we deserved more. We paid because in the last match we performed insufficiently compared to what we could and wanted.”
What did you learn from the first PSG game?
“We have to maintain a very high level of attention in both phases of the game. They can hit you at any time but at the same time they can give you something and we have to be better and more effective at hitting them when situations arise than we were in the first leg.”
What is the mood like on the eve of the game?
“The eve was about work and discussion. I spoke and the players spoke, as is always done. It is always done between united groups that have to overcome a delicate moment. Preparation has been done with a lot of concentration to try to play a great match tomorrow.
“In the first leg we didn’t allow many one-on-ones in the first half, we were compact, we stole a lot of balls. For the first goal we had the necessary number of players behind the ball.”
How important is Maignan in your build-up?
“Mike is always at the centre of our tactical dictates. In modern football, knowing how to build from the back is very important. Mike is a top player in this, he gives us a lot of confidence.”
How do you react to Saturday’s disappointment?
“The prevailing feeling within us is that of revenge and showing that we are not the same as Saturday. We disappointed the fans who have always supported us and if they booed us it means that we did really badly, we are aware of this/ Above all, for this reason we have the opportunity to return to playing like Milan.”
What kind of a welcome do you think Donnarumma will get?
“I believe that our fans will do everything to encourage the team if we demonstrate that we play like Milan: they have a great love for our colours. It’s up to us to drag our fans along and ensure that San Siro be an extra gear.”
There were jeers after Saturday’s loss, but you still have the club’s trust…
“In these situations, it’s not the words that make the difference but the behaviour. I keep repeating that the club is putting me in the best conditions, it has made a competitive team available to me.
“If the last performances have been negative, I am clearly responsible. With the passion I have I focus on work and preparing for the match.”
Have your plays grown a lot as individuals?
“They are continuing their growth process. They are the ones who have to help us reach an important level in these matches. Players like Maignan. High level players who have to help us and they will do so tomorrow.”
How are Pulisic, Loftus, Theo and Chukwueze?
“They are fine. Chukwueze has a little less playing time but has been training for two days. Pulisic will come off and Chukwu will be ready to replace him.”
If he did not prepare the team well
Why is he payed
Keep him the owners will regret thier bad decision of not dispelling him or firing him
I don’t know what kind of miracles Pioli is gonna pull out of his… whatever. We’ve seen the blueprint of how Milan CAN play in the 1st 45 against Napoli. PSG is NOT the team to play like that against.
A draw here still keeps us clutching (barely) to this group, but will Pioli go for broke and die on his sword tomorrow night, or will he finally realize that against the French you need to sit deep and counter?
This game could seal his fate (in the summer)
Indeed, PSG is just WAY too good in counter for us to allow 1vs1 because of high pressure.
Plus, most decent teams have no difficulties dealing with whatever we call high pressing.
I’a say to take a somewhat balanced approach to this game, not too defensive, not too offensive.
Yes just learn from PS:Gaey, New-Kittie, and Dort-Mud. A donkey doesn’t even fall in a hole twice, wise man said.