Olivier Giroud admits ‘efficiency in front of goal is very important at this level’ after Milan wasted dozens of chances in their goalless Champions League draw with Newcastle.
The Rossoneri were the dominant force at San Siro, with more possession, 25 shots on goal and eight of them on target to just one from the Magpies.
Despite all of that, poor finishing saw them held to a goalless draw that gets their Champions League group off to a disappointing start, especially with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund coming up.
On paper, this was meant to be the easiest fixture of the entire group for Milan.
“I think we had so many scoring opportunities and efficiency in front of goal is very important at this level,” Giroud told Sky Sport Italia.
“We gave our all, we were just missing something in the finishing.”
That has been a regular problem for the Diavolo, who were also smarting after a 5-1 Derby della Madonnina defeat to Inter in Serie A on Saturday.
“We need to evaluate what has to be improved and focus on the next game. This is football, sometimes it is better to forget, but always with the desire to learn.”
It was a special occasion for everyone at San Siro because it marked the return of Sandro Tonali, just weeks after his €80m transfer to Tyneside.
“I love him, but tonight we really wanted to win. I think we were lacking some luck.”