Stefano Pioli admits Milan ‘expect more’ from Rafael Leao but feels Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are ‘not too far’ from the Rossoneri in the Europa League race.
Milan secured a key 1-0 victory against Sassuolo at San Siro on Saturday, cementing their third place in Serie A.
Nevertheless, Milan fans booed Rafael Leao when the Portuguese was subbed off in the final minutes.
“Rafa is aware that it’s fair to expect more, but I believe that when a player returns from an injury, especially an explosive player like him, it’s not easy,” Pioli told DAZN.
“I think he worked well for the team today and boos from some fans prove they respect him because they expect a lot. We know Rafa can give a lot to the team.”
The Rossoneri return to the pitch in three days in a home Coppa Italia game against Cagliari. What does Pioli expect in the second part of the campaign?
“If the season ended today, we’d have regrets, but the season is still long, so we must give our best in every game,” he said.
“We can play and create even more but I think we had the right approach today. I am happy with the way we played and suffered together and how we won this game.
“Now we must end the girone d’andata well and earn many more points in the second part of the season to see if we can get closer to those in front.
“The Europa League is a target too. There are other great teams like Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen but I don’t think we are too far from them. The games with Rennes won’t be easy. Europa League is an important target but it’s complicated too. Going forward, it can be even more demanding than the Champions League because it’s played on Thursdays, but we must try, hoping to have as many players as possible available.”
There were reports Pioli would have been sacked if Milan had lost to Sassuolo today, but the Italian tactician didn’t seem bothered.
“This is the team’s victory. This is a group that, during my time here, has never given up in difficult moments,” he said.
“We’ve always overcome these moments by believing in ourselves and thinking that the teammate close to us is the best we can have. That’s how we must continue trying to improve. Somebody says this team has no leader, but the leader is the group, and my duty is to help them prepare for each game in the best way, technically, tactically, physically and mentally.”
Pioli started Ismael Bennacer, Tijjani Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in central midfield and Bennacer was one of the key players as he delivered the assist for Christian Pulisic’s winner.
“I think they complete each other, but it depends on how we want to build up,” noted Pioli.
“We pushed the central midfielders high up the pitch. Reijnders can play in many positions, the same as Bennacer. It’s a shame he has to play in the AFCON, but hopefully Musah returns soon. We have other solutions too. Perhaps Ruben is the one who must remain higher because he doesn’t have an aptitude for the build-up, but with Tiji and Benna, we didn’t give points of reference.”
Lastly, Pioli was told that Milan legend Marco Van Basten was at San Siro to watch the game.
“I hadn’t seen him and I’d be glad to meet him. He’s the best player I ever marked. He had everything a striker needed and I was so sorry to see him retire so early. I think he’s a nice person too, so I’d be happy to see him.”
D E L U D E D Pioli !