Olivier Giroud explains what changed for Milan during the half-time break, as they came back from 2-0 down to beat Hellas Verona 3-2. ‘We needed more character.’
The Rossoneri were trailing 2-0 after 24 minutes and then lost Ante Rebic to yet another injury, but in the second half came back with a Giroud header, a Franck Kessie penalty and bizarre Koray Gunter own goal.
“After the first half, I thought in the locker room that it was not over and we needed to show some more character. We took time to get into the game, myself included, so maybe I need more match fitness,” Giroud told Sky Sport Italia.
“The important thing is getting back from 2-0 down and it’s so emotional to do that in front of the fans. I am very happy.”
What changed for the Rossoneri after that dismal first half performance at San Siro?
“We were more determined in the second half, as before the break we lost too many duels on the pitch. Perhaps we needed to be more aggressive and we did that very well.”
For a brief period this evening, Giroud did play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“I love him, I can’t wait to play with him more and more and more!”
Giroud has seemingly put his injury concerns behind him and even gave a post-match interview in Italian for the first time.
“My back is fine, I am very happy. My ankle has been a problem for many years, so I’m used to it. It’s all in the mind.”
Giroud a Sky: “Nella ripresa siamo entrati in campo più cattivi. Ibra? Spero di giocare tante volte con lui” https://t.co/bOQtNZFX9p
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) October 16, 2021
More character and REFEREE.