Stefano Pioli refused to comment on the refereeing or injuries after Milan’s 1-0 defeat to FC Porto. ‘Our performance was not the best, Porto did better than we did.’
The Rossoneri suffered a third consecutive Champions League defeat, although unlike the one with Atletico Madrid, this was more of a deserved setback.
There was still tension around the referee yet again, as Medhi Taremi seemed to barge into Ismael Bennacer in the build-up to the Luis Diaz goal.
Pioli was spotted at the final whistle telling the referee “it was a foul,” referring to that Bennacer moment, but he refused to comment when repeatedly asked about the officiating.
“Clearly, incidents can decide a result, but our performance was not good today. Our opponents did better, were sharper, more precise, had more intensity,” Pioli told Mediaset.
“We didn’t start well, didn’t hold the ball well and didn’t create enough chances. The team was balanced and competitive, but the performance was not the best and at this level if you aren’t sharp both attacking and defending, you will suffer. Porto did better than we did.”
Elsewhere in the group, Liverpool won 3-2 away to 10-man Atletico Madrid, meaning they are running away at the top, leaving a relatively even battle below them.
Atalanta famously came back from losing their first three games to qualify for the Round of 16, so it’s not technically impossible for Milan to follow suit.
“We must believe. It’s easier to say than do, but the other two teams are four points ahead of us. Unfortunately, this was the game we really shouldn’t have played this badly, of all of them, but we have to just keep going,” added the coach.
“I have to find out why we weren’t sharp or precise enough this evening. I don’t want to talk about the referee. I have other things to focus on.”