AC Milan returned to winning ways this afternoon as they comfortably beat Lazio two goals to nil. Stefano Pioli was understandably happy after the final whistle and shared his thoughts with the media.
Milan need to win today’s game and so they did, thanks to two early goals in the first half and a strong defensive performance. Lazio didn’t have much to say throughout the game, as evidenced by zero (!) shots on target.
Speaking to MilanTV, as cited by MilanNews, Stefano Pioli shared his thoughts on what was a very controlled performance. He also spoke about the condition of Rafael Leao, who had to leave the pitch after just 11 minutes with an injury.
On the game…
“We played well, controlling the match and managing it well. We could have done better in the second half, but it’s also the first time we’ve played in this heat like this. In the end, the energy levels were what they were. Now let’s think about the Champions League.”
What happened to Leao?
“I saw him now, he seemed serene and calm. He had a feeling of fatigue, it shouldn’t be anything in particular. He will be evaluated tomorrow at a muscular level. Then it must be said that his replacement did well. Proof that the quality of the team makes the difference. Of course, if you also have individualities that make the difference, even better…”
And now the derby…
“It will be up to us to prove that we can do it.”
On Bennacer…
“He played a great game in both phases, he got in the right positions. He’s a strong, well-rounded player who needs his way of playing to be physically fit. If Isma is 100% physically, then he’s a top-level player. With the three midfielders, we are certainly a more compact, a solid but an equally unpredictable team.”
What did you tell Theo at the end?
“So many things. I like talking to my players, I like hearing what they think.”
Did you ask him what colour he dye his hair?
“When I wake up on Wednesday, I’m gonna be a little worried (laughs)”.
Was this goal better than the one against Atalanta?
“This was a fantastic goal, but that was fantastic too, with an incredible specific weight for our season. Theo is a great player. He’s proving to be a player of the highest level, he must be obsessed with becoming the best full-back in the world, taking care of everything.”
The Rossoneri will face Inter next in the crucial first leg of the Champions League semi-final. It remains to be seen if Rafael Leao will be available for that game or not. Not having him available would be a huge blow.
Let’s hope his assessment about Rafa is right…
Based on today’s match one has to ask… Why hasn’t Saelemaekers played on the left before when Leao were resting due to rotation? His performance was lightyears ahead of others who have played there this season.
Better late than never to be honest, we must take advantage of this now that we know of it
Well… With 6 or 7 matches to go… I’d rather not do any rotation unless absolutely necessary. But sure, Saelemaekers has performed well last weeks and deserve to play. LW or RW. Heck, even #10 instead of CDK.
Need rotation on match vs spezia. Too close with semifinal CL and too risky for AC Milan older player like kjaer & giroud . But i hope the rotation not playing lord Rebic, king origoat , handsome guy CDK together in spezia match as starter ( just one from them starter enough)
Sure. Anyone but Giroud & Leao can be rotated for Spezia.
And Theo!!