Stefano Pioli believes Milan ‘should at least have taken a point’ from Atalanta, but the 3-2 defeat means criticism is inevitable. ‘Our results are not up to expectations.’
The Rossoneri had got themselves back on track recently with two consecutive Serie A victories, and twice clawed their way back from Ademola Lookman goals in Bergamo to equalise through Olivier Giroud and Luka Jovic.
However, following the second yellow card for captain Davide Calabria, they capitulated deep into stoppages to a magnificent Luis Muriel back-heel flick.
“When it was 11 against 11, it felt like the inertia was going our way, as we twice got back on level terms. Going down to 10 men will cause you problems, but we also should’ve been sharper with our defending and decisions. We lost the ball cheaply, didn’t chase him down and you pay for those mistakes,” Pioli told DAZN.
“When you concede three goals, it means you did not work well defensively as a team. There were some positions we were prepared for, but we weren’t sharp enough to stop those runs and even throw-ins.
“We played with intensity, energy and a certain amount of quality. It was a game we should at least have taken a point from.”
Theo Hernandez again had to work as a centre-back in the absence of other alternatives due to an injury crisis.
“There are absences, but we played the game, especially in the first half where I felt we were better than Atalanta, but didn’t take our chances. We were naïve after the break and you pay for those errors at this level, we absolutely must improve these for the following matches.
“If I had ended 2-2, I would’ve seen many positives from this performance, but we wanted to give a sense of consistency to our results. We need to reflect profoundly on this, because we were in the game, but our opponents did better in the penalty areas. It is not the result we wanted.”
Jovic impressed more working with Giroud than as a centre-forward alone, so could that be a different tactical approach in future?
“I do think they can play together, although we have to modify the midfield and at times the wingers too. We have a very important game in Europe, there are few chances, but we want to remain in Europe.”
They will still be third in Serie A come the end of the weekend, but risk falling even further behind Inter and Juventus in the Scudetto race, while Roma or Fiorentina can close the gap.
“Clearly, if we cannot get a run of victories to close up on the leaders, we have to look over our shoulder. I do not change my opinion, I always said the top four was our objective, but we would try to do something more if possible.”
This is not the build-up that Pioli wanted for the crucial Champions League trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.
Rafael Leao should return, but in order to stay in the tournament, Milan must win and also hope Paris Saint-Germain lose to Borussia Dortmund.
“We know that with a victory we at least remain in Europe, though we’re not sure which tournament. Rafael Leao should be available again.”
Having won a completely unexpected Scudetto and then reached the Champions League semi-final, Pioli is still under fire from fans and media.
“This is what it’s like here. I am the coach of Milan, expectations are very high and currently our results are not up to those expectations. All I can do is focus on my work and try to guide my players.”
Needs the sacking, Never liked him.