Stefano Pioli warns ‘it would be a grave mistake to assume the job was done’ against Rennes in the Europa League and explains why squad rotation was not behind Milan’s defeat to Monza.
It kicks off at Roazhon Park on Thursday at 17.45 GMT.
The Rossoneri won the first leg 3-0 at San Siro and the winners will go through to the Europa League Round of 16, as this preliminary stage was introduced for the teams who dropped down from the Champions League.
“The first leg gave us a very good advantage, but it is not over and another difficult match awaits us. We need to interpret it the right way, as above all Rennes are good on home turf,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
However, the mood in the team camp was damaged by Sunday’s 4-2 defeat to Monza in Serie A and the coach was criticised for over-doing it with the changes.
“We made some naïve errors that certainly penalised us and we analysed that match, but one off day cannot damage our overall progress.
“I don’t like the term squad rotation, but when you play this many games, you must pick the best line-up for that particular match.
“We are judged on our results, that is natural. But squad rotation is dangerous at the start of the season, not after several months together. I made changes at the start of the second half to get back into the game, but it was not the fault of the players I took off that we were losing, it was because we made errors in those situations.
“The change of players did not change the overall identity of the team, and overall we played below our capabilities.”
Luka Jovic is expected to start upfront, especially as he must sit out a two-match Serie A ban for his red card against Monza.
“Rennes are a good team, they got back to winning ways at the weekend despite changing five players, so it would be a grave mistake for us to assume the job was done.
“We know each other better now after the first leg, but can also expect them to do something different to turn the result around.”
President Gerry Cardinale is not with the squad, but Special Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic is present in the locker room and was even leading the players out for the pitch inspection.
“Ibra is an important figure for everyone, his presence is always very charismatic, intelligent, he had so many experiences as a player all over the world that his advice is good for the younger players.”
Pioli a Sky: "Gravissimo pensare di essere qualificati. Turnover? 4 o 5 cambi non modificano la mentalità di una squadra" https://t.co/rnMu5d8AO7
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) February 21, 2024