Stefano Pioli concedes Milan ‘could’ve done better’ in their 1-1 Champions League draw with FC Porto, although they improved in the second half.
It was a nightmare start at San Siro for the side that had lost all three previous Champions League games, as Luis Diaz put Porto ahead within six minutes.
Pierre Kalulu’s attempted roll across for a tap-in was bundled over the line by Chancel Mbemba for the equaliser.
“We could’ve done better, as especially in the first half we lacked sharpness in our decision-making,” Pioli told Amazon Prime Italia.
“If the opponents press that high and defend with such a high line, we have to seek through balls and we didn’t do it with enough precision.
“I cannot complain about the second half, in terms of hunger, energy and chances created. Unfortunately, the level to get a victory in Europe is extremely high and we didn’t do enough.”
The coach was asked if Milan deserve to get through to the Round of 16 after one point from the opening four matches.
“In order to deserve it, you need to win games. Porto got great results in their last five away games and don’t forget they knocked Juventus out of the Champions League last season. We need to be more consistent.”
Milan were particularly poor in the first half and frankly fortunate to only be a goal down at the break.
“Porto deserve credit and we deserve blame. We should’ve shimmied and spread the Porto defence, instead we ended up going where they wanted us to. We were more organised in the second half and Porto’s intensity level dropped.”
It’s safe to say the Diavolo are focusing more on Serie A this season, where they are joint leaders with Napoli.
They face rivals Inter on Sunday in the Derby della Madonnina.
“I saw positive signs, the team is doing well and we wanted the first victory tonight. It’s going to be very difficult, because Inter are the favourites to win the Scudetto.”
Milan-Porto, Pioli sul primo tempo: “È mancata lucidità nelle scelte e precisione nei passaggi” https://t.co/otUXaug4DR
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) November 3, 2021
Shameful perfomance Mr Pioli. AC Milan must perform better, much better…