Stefano Pioli acknowledges the next two matches could decide his Milan future after a 3-3 draw with Sassuolo and warns Rafael Leao ‘must learn to deal with pressure.’
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Rossoneri at the Mapei Stadium, none more so than Samuel Chukwueze, who saw two goals disallowed for extraordinarily tight offside calls, with his shoulder just off.
They recovered from a disastrous start, conceding twice within 10 minutes, then going 3-1 down, clawing their way back with Rafael Leao, Luka Jovic and Noah Okafor goals.
“The distractions when we conceded the goal were bad, but it’s not true that we weren’t courageous enough on the ball. We tried absolutely everything, we scored three goals, created many more chances. I think nobody could’ve complained if we had scored five or six today,” Pioli told DAZN.
“I had no doubts on the spirit or character of this team. Our objective now is to end the season well, finish second, we have the Europa League quarter-final plus games against Inter and Juventus.
“The next matches require levels of performance, concentration and quality far superior to what we showed today.”
Rafael Leao reacted to the jeers and criticism received after the Europa League by scoring a sensational solo effort today.
“Leao has to learn to deal with the pressure and expectation, because it’s natural to expect more from a player with more quality and talent than others. Unfortunately, just as compliments are sometimes excessive, so is criticism. He needs to realise it will always be like this throughout his career.
“I think we need to play the way we know how and that could be enough to beat Roma, I don’t think it will require something extraordinary.”
There was more bad news, as Malick Thiaw was booked and will be suspended for the derby against Inter, but he was also limping heavily in the final minutes.
“This squad has talent and quality, so the priority of the job of a coach is to make sure the team has clear ideas over what to do. We always try to put the players in the best positions for defending and attacking.
“I saw errors today, but there was nothing wrong with the attitude and I would not say we were distracted by other issues.”
Days after the Europa League quarter-final defeat to Roma, with the second leg and then the Derby della Madonnina coming up, it does little to boost confidence.
“Roma played very well at San Siro, whereas we were below our usual level. If we play to our level, then I expect it to be a balanced encounter and incidents can make the difference.”
Pioli was asked how it feels when people say the next two matches will decide his future.
“It changes nothing for me, because the next match is always the most important. If this is the case, then I will prepare them the best way possible.
“My future will be decided at the end of the season, as it has been throughout my time here at Milan.”
This result means Inter can go 16 points clear at the top of the table if they beat Cagliari at San Siro this evening, lining them up for a Scudetto celebration against their arch-rivals.
“Clearly, Inter will win the Scudetto, we will do everything we can to win the derby. That is to make our fans happy, to confirm second place and that is a prestigious target.
“This is a very important period of the season, we are prepared and will give our best. This is a young squad, it had not won for many years, there were some highs and other disappointments, but we never stopped working and growing.”
Didn’t learn from the Monza nightmare. A very boneheaded man.