Stefano Pioli thanks Milan for playing with ‘soul and guts’ to beat Paris Saint-Germain, but warns Rafael Leao he ‘has to reach that standard all the time. He can be a champion, but it depends on him.’
The Rossoneri were in dire need of this boost, having failed to score a single goal in the opening three Champions League fixtures, managing two draws and a 3-0 defeat at Parc des Princes.
They gained revenge over PSG this evening at San Siro, emerging 2-1 winners thanks to an acrobatic Rafael Leao overhead kick and Olivier Giroud towering header, overturning the opening Milan Skriniar tap-in from a corner.
“The one against Udinese was one of our worst performances, but we did what we had to do tonight, reacting with soul, guts and knowing we had to put in an exceptional effort all together against an extraordinary team,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“I have to praise the lads for putting in the work and a great performance. We knew this was an important game for the group, now we’ll have it out on home turf with Borussia Dortmund.”
This result blows qualification wide open, as now Borussia Dortmund are top on seven points, followed by PSG on six, Milan with five and Newcastle United four.
The coach was asked how he managed to talk the players around from the awful 1-0 home defeat to Udinese on Saturday to the side seen this evening.
“I believe that many times the way the team talk to each other is more effective than what the coach can tell them. At times we were not as energetic, as determined and as focused. I just tried to remind them of their qualities, their capabilities and that they could give the fans a night like this.
“Clearly, I would always like to see a Milan like this. Unfortunately, I think we got the approach badly wrong against Udinese, but the team has a spirit. PSG played well, kept the ball more and that was in part a tactical choice.
“We again had the chances to score far more goals than we did, so it is only a small step forward. I said when the draw was made that this group would go down to the final game and I stand by that.”
Rafael Leao was named Man of the Match by UEFA and was repeatedly hailed by the crowd not just for his attacks, but also tracking back to defend and make decisive tackles.
“Rafa has to reach that standard all the time. He can be a champion, but it depends on him having the obsession to play at that level in every single game,” warned Pioli.
Milan have been accused in the past of only raising their game for the big fixtures, both in the Champions League and in Serie A.
“Obviously, compared to the Udinese game we look very different, but against Juventus and Napoli I feel that we played well and paid a heavy price for some errors.
“We used up a lot of energy tonight, but we must also get back on track in Serie A and that means being ready for Lecce too.”