Milan director Geoffrey Moncada looks back over Champions League regrets, as they ‘came so close’ to qualification and ‘beat a Premier League side with Theo Hernandez as a centre-back,’ so looks forward to the Europa League with a full squad.
The Rossoneri knew it was going to be tough for them after starting with back-to-back goalless draws against Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund.
Although Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze turned the game around to win 2-1 in Newcastle last night, it was only enough for third place.
“It’s a pity, because we came so close to qualifying for the next round and finished on eight points, the same as PSG,” Moncada told Milan TV.
“We should’ve perhaps done better in the first two matches, where we got a few situations wrong. Now we must focus hard on Serie A.”
Although it was not enough to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16, the victory does seem to have taken some of the pressure off coach Stefano Pioli.
“We saw at St. James’ Park that this team has the right spirit. The coach also made good substitutions and they made an immediate impact. I’m glad for Chukwueze, because he is a good lad who works hard and the future will be bright for both him and us.”
Newcastle United had a huge injury list last night, but so did Milan, who had only one fit centre-back in the entire squad and had to again use Theo Hernandez as a makeshift central defender.
“We have to get our defenders back,” continued Moncada. “We beat a Premier League side with a left-back like Theo Hernandez playing as a centre-back. When we have the full squad at our disposal, I think we will return to the levels seen in August and September.”
Milan will enter the Europa League play-offs in February, which are against a team that finishes second in their Europa League groups.
“We must think positive, because we are still in Europe. It is a fine competition and we have to do it well.”