Milan coach Stefano Pioli warns Rafael Leao that ‘now it’s up to him’ and feels the gap with top European sides has reduced even if Inter’s Champions League exit was ‘a bit surprising.’
Milan qualified for the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, beating Slavia Praha 3-1 away.
Slavia were reduced to ten men in the opening 25 minutes for the second time in a row, but Pioli noticed an improvement from his players.
“We surely managed numerical advantage better. 11 v 11 was difficult and more complicated, but we had spaces to hurt,” the Italian tactician told Sky Sport Italia.
Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all got their names on the scoresheet.
“We are in shape, and it’s a positive moment. These three players must reach these figures because they have these qualities. Although these rounds were easy on paper, both Rennes and Salvia were tough opponents.”
Rafael Leao scored a stunning curler and has now reached double figures for goals and assists this term.
“This must be his standard. Let’s be clear. It’s up to him now. We’ve done everything we could, and he’s been available. Now it’s up to him because he has everything: experience, quality and strength. I hope he’s strong enough mentally always to have this approach.”
Are Milan among the favourites to win the Europa League?
“Now, eight teams are remaining, and we are among them,” Pioli replied.
Did he speak about his future at the club in a dinner he had with club directors and Zlatan Ibrahimovic earlier this week?
“No, we didn’t. I appreciated the dinner because the club gave me a gift for winning 100 games with Milan,” Pioli revealed.
“We spoke about our things, but we must remain focused on our tasks right now.”
Lastly, Pioli was asked his thoughts on the Champions League elimination of all Italian clubs this season and whether the gap with top European clubs has increased.
“I think the gap is reduced even if top foreign clubs have different financial resources, the gap has lowered,” Pioli replied.
“Inter’s elimination was a bit surprising, but they remain among the top sides of Europe. I think we are not so far away but of course, if foreign clubs continue spending this money, it will be easy for nobody.”