AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has suggested his side will be going for the win next week against Red Bull Salzburg after brushing aside Dinamo Zagreb.
The Rossoneri made the trip to Croatia knowing that they would have to beat a Dinamo Zagreb side that were yet to lose at home this calendar year in order to give themselves a position where a draw against Red Bull Salzburg would be enough.
The end result was emphatic as Matteo Gabbia, Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud and an own-goal all contributed to a four-goal rout that could have actually ended up as an even higher scoreline in truth.
Pioli spoke after the game in his press conference to give his thoughts on what was a memorable night for his young squad as they secured a vital victory in a must-win game, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Great performance, what gave you the most excitement?
“How we faced the difficulties. After fixing some positions, we resumed attacking with many players. It’s a heavy, important victory and we know.”
Were you satisfied with De Ketelaere?
“I took him off because he was booked. I am satisfied with his growth and will continue to improve.”
Is victory one more step of growth?
“I think it is clear that our growth depends on qualification. We have to play with our mentality and it is the next step, where we would show that we are doing better than last year. We must close the discussion next Wednesday without forgetting the league. We need concentration for the match against Torino. Then we will have the time and attention necessary to take care of the next Champions League match in the best possible way.”
Is it a double-edged sword knowing two out of three results next week gets Milan through?
“Two out of three results isn’t a double-edged sword. We are not mentally and tactically built to manage, we have to play our best to get a win.”
Is Gabbia an example of your work?
“I continue to be convinced of the strength of my group. I emphasise Matteo’s seriousness, but also his skills. He has a sense of position, physicality and skill in aerial duels. He has always worked at his best in training and is taking everything he is sowing.”
An evaluation on Ante Rebic?
“Ante is a strong and intelligent player. We talked about him in the summer. Unfortunately he is not always very well and when he is well, I have to use him on the right as well. Because Ante is strong. All at the beginning we struggled a bit because we had to change positions.”
This guy dint trust Italian guys
He trust Kallalu before Gabia
He trust kallalu before Romanioli
Italian guys gives the blood on field ,not like
Leo. He calles himself big player
With Celsi he was worst player
Shame
While I agree in general and Gabbia was really top the worst player against Chalsea was Tomori. Which changes nothing 🙂
Sad to hear we have fans like you. Make absolutely no sense. This is FOOTBALL not whoever fields most Italians wins. Clearly our def has improved greatly since we stopped playing romangoli for example
But the same Romagnoli has made Lazio the best defence in Series A this season, right?
That same Lazio already conceded 9 goals in 4 Europa League Matches. Period.
The fact is, last year with Kalulu-Tomori partnership we won Scudetto, they were like a rock in the defence. This season less so, but the potential still there.
Kallulu is currently pure class. Do you want to win or he nostalgic about crappy Italian players
This is totally false.
Pioli gives the best to Milan
And Yes, Kalulu is far better than Romagnoli for our style of play.
Don’t be sentimental
Kalulu totally deserves to be a starter. I bet you cannot find a hard worker like him for the money he earns with us.
Romagnoli? I would say we gave him enough chances to become a leader.
People like you keep reminding the world that the best player for AC Milan would be Mussolini.
We won Scudetto last season with Tomori-Kalulu as main cb.
Romagnoli isn’t a bad CB but he is not suited with our style of play.
Gabbia is young, he will get his chances.