AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli was far from happy with the way his side played during last night’s 3-1 defeat against Udinese at the Dacia Arena.
It was a game that featured plenty of drama as Roberto Pereyra was the man who opened the scoring before Zlatan Ibrahimovic drew Milan level with a retaken penalty but then goals from Beto and Kingsley Ehizibue meant the Friulians took all three points.
Pioli spoke to Milan TV after the game to assess the performance of his side and reflect on yet more dropped points in the top four race.
“There are many moments in the match that affected the result. Our performance was insufficient in quality, energy. The incidents went against us and finishing the first half with a draw obviously would have been better. We didn’t play as a team, we weren’t alert, determined or calm. We can and must do better,” he said.
On the differences in performance with the Champions League: “There shouldn’t be any versions of Milan. We have a clear game but we have to put it on the pitch. And we know how to do it.”
On the team’s progress: “It’s quite clear that we had a difficult start to 2023. We didn’t need this defeat because the league is too tight, we need to push and we all have to do better, because finishing in the top four is vital.”
On if he is angrier or more disappointed: “I’m disappointed in myself. I was sure I prepared the game well and motivated the players well. We have to do better and realise it. We mustn’t aim only for the Champions League.”
On still changing something: “I’m thinking about many things right now. I’ll evaluate.”
