Tijjani Reijnders has admitted that AC Milan could have managed the game against Slavia Praha better, but he was happy that the team were able to come away with a two-goal first leg lead.
The fact that the Milan players left the field after a 4-2 win and did not get an ovation says it all as they were given a real scare by a Slavia side who played for around an hour with 10 men.
Olivier Giroud gave the Rossoneri the lead before the away side levelled, then Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored to make it 3-1 going into the break and settle the nerves.
The visitors would score again from a set piece to make it a one-goal game and Stefano Pioli’s men struggled to control the game, eventually getting a fourth goal right at the end through Christian Pulisic.
Reijnders was interviewed by Sky at the end of the game and tried to reflect on what was a rollercoaster night, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Your reactions after the game?
“We should have managed the ball better, but we won 4-2. Now let’s think about the return leg. We haven’t underestimated Slavia, in Europe the matches are all difficult.”
What will you have to do in the return leg?
“We will have to fight, we will have to be ready. We will have to do better in possession of the ball.”
Who are you dedicating your goal to?
“To my son who was just born.”
How do you feel at the moment?
“I play for Milan and I have to always demonstrate my qualities. Today we didn’t play our best game. I hope to always be important for the team.”
