Stefano Pioli admits the tactics that allowed Milan to win the Scudetto ‘aren’t working now’ and there will be changes, but ‘our Scudetto will be securing a Champions League place.’
This was meant to be the turning point after a dismal run of results, but instead it saw them reach a new rock bottom with this 5-2 home defeat to a Sassuolo side that was without a victory since October.
The Rossoneri have for the first time in their history conceded at least four goals in back-to-back Serie A games, as this was even more humiliating than the 4-0 defeat at Lazio or the 3-0 Supercoppa Italiana loss to Inter.
“I feel disappointment, but we don’t get far with disappointment,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“Recent performances show we are struggling, this must push me to understand what situations need to be improved and dealt with in a different way.
“Our Scudetto this season will be securing a Champions League place, that is the objective.”
Even Pioli’s decision to initially drop Rafael Leao didn’t make any difference to a team visibly shorn of all confidence compared to the one that lifted the Scudetto just eight months ago.
“Not just eight months ago, it doesn’t look like the same team from three weeks ago. Since failing to beat Roma when leading 2-0, we just haven’t been able to play our usual way.
“The last two training sessions had been very positive, but the moment we get a slap in the face, we struggle to recover and react. I understand we might not have the same lightness of touch that we had last season, so we need to work with even more focus and conviction. We must prove that we can still have a good season and qualify for the Champions League.”
Pioli was asked if he will take Milan into a training retreat to regain some focus and unity ahead of the Derby della Madonnina against arch-rivals Inter.
“We will make the best decisions to overcome this moment. Next week there’s the derby, we want to react and emerge from this negative situation.”
There was already a shock change today with Rafael Leao initially dropped, but could Milan be moving towards a change of formation to strengthen the midfield?
“I am certainly thinking of many things, as everything that worked so well over the last two years and allowed us to play beautiful and effective football just isn’t working right now. We need to modify a few things to bring more balance to the side in both attacking and defending phases.”
Pioli does not believe that Milan are ‘sated’ after winning the Scudetto, an achievement that nobody expected at the time.
“It’s too easy to say that, but it really isn’t the case. Do you think I don’t tell them how things are? We have the right attitude and hunger, but we no longer have the ability to react to setbacks during the match.
“I have always spoken with clarity, both with the individuals and as a collective, but what worked well until three weeks ago isn’t working now. I will make changes.”
seleziona gli stessi giocatori aspettandosi risultati migliori. Il tuo compito è apportare modifiche quando lo stesso sistema e le selezioni non funzionano. anche con giampaolo la squadra aveva poca capacità ma cuore. Ora hai portato via il cuore e combatti.
😂 😂 😂