AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has shrugged off any notion his side are one of Europe’s top 16 teams but revealed he would like to replay some of the Champions League group stage games.
Regarded by many as ‘The Group of Death’, Pioli’s men were pitted against Liverpool – a team who lifted the trophy three seasons ago and are a foe with which the club share a deep and rich history – the champions of LaLiga Atlético Madrid and the heavyweights of Portuguese football FC Porto.
Milan suffered the effects of their damaged coefficient, and with four defeats from six games and just one win to show, the Rossoneri crashed out as bottom of Group B.
There were a lot of harsh but also important lessons that came from the six games and in particular the defeats, but some believe Milan would fare better if they faced the games in their current form and at near full fitness.
Pioli spoke to the media ahead of the trip to Salernitana (via MilanNews) and was asked if he feels Milan are a top 16 team in Europe.
“No because we weren’t able to get through the group. Today we are stronger than when we faced the Champions League group. I would have liked to play certain games now. We have to keep growing, the important thing is to return to the Champions League next year,” he said.
On staying focused, he added: “We have to give our best. We will need the right approach and we will have to make the right decisions during the match. We will have to be good at interpreting all game situations.”
He also addressed those who underestimate Milan’s current results: “I respect all opinions. We must find awareness from ourselves and our qualities, not from the opinions of others.”
