Stefano Pioli admits Milan ‘got everything wrong that it was possible to get wrong’ in the first half against Lecce and hopes the fightback for a 2-2 draw can spur them on for the Supercoppa with Inter.
The Rossoneri were hoping to get back on track after two disappointing games in a row, fumbling a 2-0 lead in the final minutes to draw 2-2 with Roma in Serie A, then crashing out of the Coppa Italia to 10-man Torino in extra time.
However, they got off to the worst possibly start at the Stadio Via del Mare, trailing to a Theo Hernandez own goal in the third minute, then allowing Federico Baschirotto’s free header.
“In the first half, we got everything wrong that it was possible to get wrong. We made entirely avoidable errors and it was an uphill struggle from there,” Pioli told DAZN.
“We reacted well and could’ve won it at the end, but we must do much better.”
They survived a few more scares to get back into it with Rafael Leao and Davide Calabria, emerging with a second consecutive 2-2 Serie A result.
Pioli surprised by replacing Theo Hernandez at half-time, so was that linked to the own goal?
“I could’ve changed many other players at the break. I tried to change so we could improve our work down the flanks, so I removed Theo and Alexis Saelemaekers.
“I expected a different start to the game, considering we were coming off some disappointing results. We should’ve had the quality and sharpness to control the situation better, which is what we did in the second half.”
Was there a psychological issue behind their shaky start to the match?
“It is always difficult if the team is either too worried or too relaxed. I don’t mind a little bit of both those elements before a game, but we just had the wrong approach.”
Milan are now nine points adrift of leaders Napoli, but compared to this stage last season, they are only one point worse off.
The difference is that Napoli have 12 more points than they did last year.
“In general, we are doing much the same as last season, but we still certainly could’ve done better since the break for the World Cup. We must avoid these banal errors that make games more complicated than they need to be.
“We have to analyse this performance and find out what didn’t work.”
Milan now go into the Supercoppa Italiana against Coppa Italia holders Inter in Riyadh on Wednesday, the first silverware of the season is up for grabs.
“I am worried even when we win, so this changes little on that score. We will do everything we can to be ready for that game.”
Despite the injury crisis and shortage of options, Milan are adamant they will not bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window.
“The club has already expressed itself on that. We are getting players back and hopefully Ante Rebic will also be available for the Supercup.
“Divock Origi returned today, I hope to get Zlatan Ibrahimovic soon. We do not lack anything in this squad. Once everyone is available we are stronger and have more belief. Admittedly, we are currently missing players who are also leaders.”
That was a disgusting performance. Lecce had twice our determination.