AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is satisfied with how his team dug in to secure another clean sheet and a 1-0 first leg win against Spurs at San Siro.
Milan ensured that they will take a lead to north London next month as they secured yet another one-goal victory in front of the home fans, with Brahim Diaz deciding the encounter with a goal in the early exchanges.
Milan started brightly and took the lead inside six minutes as the Spanish playmaker scored from close range. Theo Hernandez beat Romero in the air and charged onto the ball in the box, firing at Forster who made an amazing save to deny Brahim’s shot from the rebound, yet he could do nothing but watch as Brahim converted with a diving header from close range.
After the win against the Premier League side Pioli spoke to SportMediaset to reflect on another organised and effective performance from his side, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“It was a difficult match against a tough team. We had a good match, but we know that the return will be tough. We played the game we were supposed to play, I’m satisfied,” he began.
“When a coach sees the work done in training on the pitch, he’s happy. We did what we had prepared. In the second half we could have made fewer backwards passes and played more up front, but the lads played with great spirit.
“We put in a good performance. We could have scored more goals with De Ketelaere and Thiaw, but they too put us in trouble, especially on set pieces. Today is only the first stage, the next will be even more difficult.
“It’s a performance that will give us morale, but we must continue to be an energetic team. We’ve had a difficult month, we’re trying to overcome these difficulties. I’m always convinced that I’m coaching a special group.”
On Tomori: “Yesterday he was fine, while this morning he said he still had a problem with his injured area and so we didn’t risk it.”
Thank you Mister!! your 3-4-3 start to ‘click’ and our boys get it
Damn, why all Milan Captain stuck/regress.. first Alessio and now Davide.. Sheesss