Pioli relieved after crucial win vs. Genoa but states: “Now the expectations have risen”

By Isak Möller -

After the game between AC Milan and Genoa, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media about his team’s performance. The Rossoneri managed to get back to winning ways, which he obviously was happy about. 

Milan were coming off two consecutive 0-0 draws and thus tonight’s 2-0 win was a big confidence boost for them. Not only did they break the goal drought, but they also managed to win a game with more than one goal.

Speaking to DAZN after the game, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli shared his thoughts on various topics including, of course, the win. Indeed, it was a very important one in the Scudetto race for the Rossoneri.

On Inter…

“I knew their result, but we didn’t talk about it with the team. We had to go back to winning. To play for the Scudetto we have to win all the games. We are satisfied to be back winning, we risked little and this is important.”

On the zero goals conceded…

“The team is working hard without the ball. We are doing it well, we have to continue like this. The tension is felt and the pressure rises. To the team, I told the team that last year we had the same tension, but we didn’t even know if we would have been able to finish in the top four. Now the expectations have risen, we are fighting for something that no one could have imagined up to two years ago. We must focus on our quality.”

On the tension…

“Every day I am undecided whether to increase the pressure or to release it. But I have to expect a lot from these guys because they are strong. We are more aware of our strengths, I am pushing for this. There are few games left and we have to do well. Many of us are fighting for the Scudetto for the first time, it is a path that will help us. We want to be winning again.”

On the next matches…

“They will all be difficult matches like the last ones. We have lost points with the teams that are in the bottom half of the table, but if we are at the top it means that the others have also lost points.”

On the midfield…

“The positions of Bennacer and Kessie gave us many solutions. Tonali was shielded by the Genoa players and therefore we played more with the central defensive players in the build-up phase. Tonali could distance himself more, this is the last step he has to take. For a midfielder, it is essential to be found as much as possible.”

On the Coppa Italia derby…

“It’s a very important match between two teams that are doing well. It’s a game that cannot change the inertia of the season. We will try to get to the final and they will do it too. We will try to reach the final.”

On Maignan and the zero goals conceded…

“We have to continue like this. Maignan is incredible, he is receiving the right compliments. He must give his contribution to this young team.”

Inter still have their game in hand to rely on but at least now, Milan have got back to winning ways. It was a must-win and they responded, with the support of their amazing fans who came out in numbers today (over 70K).

Tags AC Milan Genoa Stefano Pioli

4 Comments

  1. How about San Siro last night? I wasn’t there but it sure seems the Tifosi are doing their part in lifting the team’s spirits.

    1. They were quiet for the most part, especially after the first half till the second goal.

      At least I heard the commentators say it.

      1. Yes, I heard that too! They were as bored and upset as those of us watching from home…. It was an irritating play from Milan. I even heard the other commentator say that Milan were too nice infront of goal, he said they don’t shoot the ball.

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