Stefano Pioli has stressed the importance of riding the wave of difficulty ahead of what will be a ‘great match’ against Manchester United.
The Rossoneri qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League by beating Red Star in the round of 32, but it was far from straightforward. It took away goals for Pioli’s men to go through after a 2-2 draw in the first leg and a 1-1 at San Siro in the return.
Therefore, a much better showing will be needed against a team that are second in the Premier League and not only beat the top team and their city rivals Manchester City at the weekend, but they did so keeping a clear sheet too in a 2-0 win.
Pioli spoke to Sky Italia on the eve of the game at Old Trafford, and revealed that he is revelling in the chance to lead his side out in such a big game and at such a historic venue.
“We are playing against a very prestigious team in a truly fantastic stadium, unfortunately without fans but still a great match, what we wanted,” he said (via MilanNews).
“We are experiencing a moment in which we had two possibilities: either to be overwhelmed by the waves or to ride them. the wave of our work and our positivity. We have chosen this. We have to continue like this because the difficulties are still there, unfortunately for tomorrow we do not recover anyone compared to Sunday’s game, on the contrary.
“Romagnoli will leave with us but because of a stomp he took in Verona he is in strong doubt for tomorrow’s game. We must continue to ride the beliefs we have, our enthusiasm, our qualities, knowing that if we play as a team for 95 minutes we can do well. Since 1 January 2020 in the five European championships only four teams have exceeded one hundred points: us, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City.”
Want more Milan? Check out our podcast, take a look at our shop and join in the discussion over on the Rossoneri Discord!
Oh boy. He’s pulling a Galliani talking about points comparison though nothing has been won. That’s when you know you’re starting to crumble