Vincenzo Montella insists his Sampdoria side “didn’t deserve to lose” to Milan in the Coppa Italia.
The Blucerchiati went down 2-0 thanks to M’Baye Niang and a late Carlos Bacca strike, but weren’t helped by Ervin Zukanovic’s red card.
“We had a great first half,” Montella told Rai after the match.
Vincenzo Montella insists his Sampdoria side “didn’t deserve to lose” to Milan in the Coppa Italia.
The Blucerchiati went down 2-0 thanks to M’Baye Niang and a late Carlos Bacca strike, but weren’t helped by Ervin Zukanovic’s red card.
“We had a great first half,” Montella told Rai after the match.
“We played with more confidence and enthusiasm. We did well to defend deep, they’re skilled in attack but we managed to create chances of our own.
“The team has grown, I don’t think they deserved to lose today. I’m not sorry I chose Samp, I’m even more motivated.
“Seeing the team tonight gives me confidence, we’ve grown overall, we played with more fluidity and solidity.
“It takes time to introduce certain ideas about football."
Montella was then asked about his strikers, with Eder injured and Antonio Cassano out of sorts.
“Eder is a very important player, who sacrifices a lot, I hope to have him back for Sunday.
“As for Cassano, he came close to scoring today, I think he can add something for us. I didn’t play with two strikers at the end because we had 10-men and the lads were very tired.
“You can’t say that just by putting more strikers on you’ll be able to score more.”
Finally, the former Fiorentina Coach was asked whether the squad will be strengthened in January.
“The club has signalled its willingness, but January is a complicated market,” Montella warned.
“If there’s an opportunity, I don’t think the club will hold back. The intention is to improve the team.”