Stefano Pioli was well aware of his side’s shortcomings against Rennes during his post-match media duties on Thursday evening, but insists that the Rossoneri still want to lift the trophy at the end of the campaign.
Milan lost 3-2 to Rennes in the Europa League knockout play-off round on Thursday evening, but still qualified for the Round of 16 thanks to their 5-3 aggregate score.
The Rossoneri fell behind three times as Benjamin Bourigeaud ran away with a hat-trick for the hosts, with Milan goals coming from Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao after 22 and 58 minutes respectively.
During his post-match interviews and press conference, Pioli insisted that Milan still have plenty to play for across Serie A and the Europa League, and also gave his verdict on the likes of Jovic, Leao and Christian Pulisic.
“We will go home with the satisfaction of getting through a difficult tie. At times it seemed too easy, but this is Europe. We could have made better use of space in the first half, but they played an intense game. It wasn’t easy,” Pioli said to Sky Sport Italia after full-time.
When asked about Milan’s chances of winning the trophy in May, Pioli replied: “We want to try, that much is clear.
“We were going through a decent run in the league before Sunday. But we want to carry on with our momentum and catch up with those in front of us, especially Juventus.
“We will get a strong team in the round of 16, it won’t be easy whoever comes out of the hat. But whoever it is, they won’t be happy having to face a team like Milan either.”
Sky Reporters suggested that Milan did not have quality replacements for Leao and Pulisic when they were withdrawn in the first half. Asked if this is a problem for the tema, the coach responded: “No, we can’t think of it like that.
“We still suffered, even when Pulisic and Leao were on. I don’t think like I only have 11 starters, I have a strong group with important players who are all ready to play.
Pioli also touched on Jovic, who has enjoyed a series of opportunities in the team of late, but was sent off in the loss against Monza in Serie A at the weekend.
“Unfortunately, he was a bit naive on Sunday. He’s had chances and he’s deserved them all. He is doing well and he must continue to demand the best from himself to show that he can be a Milan player.
During his post match press conference, Pioli also provided an injury update on a number of his first team absentees, including defenders Pierre Kalulu and Fikayo Tomori.
“Kalulu and Tomori are fine,” he said. “They will train with us tomorrow and we will see if they are available for the weekend or if we have to wait until Lazio.”
Pioli a Sky: "Vogliamo provarci per l'Europa League, è chiaro. Vanno migliorate alcune situazioni difensive" https://t.co/ylQVHoEjh7
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) February 22, 2024