Stefano Pioli insists he is ‘very satisfied’ with Milan’s performance against Newcastle United in the Champions League, but admits even he was baffled by Rafael Leao’s back-heel flick and gives injury updates on Mike Maignan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Rossoneri looked constantly in control of the opening group game at San Siro with 25 shots, eight of them on target to just one from Newcastle United that was deep into stoppages, but still only came away with a 0-0 draw.
“It is easy to evaluate the performance, because we dominated in every way, but did not finish off some frankly quite simple scoring opportunities,” Pioli told Milan TV and Sky Sport Italia.
“I am very satisfied with the performance, we did what we had prepared, creating numerous chances. We didn’t finish them and therefore did not break the deadlock, that is a pity.
“We did better than a strong opponent. Unfortunately, when you lack determination, then you risk a negative result, even with good quality.”
A great example of where it all went wrong was Rafael Leao’s bizarre attempted back-heel flick after dribbling through half the Newcastle defence.
“I thought he was going to try to break the net from there. Giroud too in that move went for an overhead kick rather than a header,” noted Pioli.
The atmosphere was tense as the game wore on, especially after Saturday’s 5-1 Derby della Madonnina defeat to Inter.
“The team and the fans deserved to win, so we can leave with our heads held high this evening. I thank the fans who applauded me and I understand the ones who jeered. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted.
“It was not easy to talk to the team on Sunday, but from Monday I started to see the right reaction, what a coach wants to see in training ahead of a big game. We needed to play and to win, but we’ll take the performance.”
To make matters even worse, both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mike Maignan went off with muscular issues that will need to be evaluated by medical staff.
“Maignan felt a twinge, he said it wasn’t too serious and I trust him. Loftus-Cheek it was mainly a cramp.”
Stefano Pioli go back to our traditional 4-2-3-1 formation we don’t use 4-3-3 please
We had more solidity at 4-2-3-1. I hate to say it but we could have done with Brshin Diaz tonight. I would have liked to see Luka Romero get a game tonight also. Pioli has to reserve this 4-3-3 for more suitable opponents. I think we need to go back to what made us great 2 years ago.