Milan coach Stefano Pioli has insisted that actions speak louder than words as he and his team look to get back to winning ways with the visit of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Rossoneri slipped up in Serie A at the weekend, falling to a surprise 1-0 loss to Udinese at San Siro.
Injuries have began to rack up within the Milan camp, and pressure on the coach is beginning to rise, but Pioli knows that a positive performance is required against PSG to win the fans over again.
“We disappointed everyone on Saturday, that much is clear,” he told the press room at Milanello, reported via TMW. “We have to do everything differently and we have to show that on the pitch. I know how to coach a responsible, attentive team who have it in them to put in a great performance.
On the mood within the dressing room following Saturday’s loss and heading into Tuesday’s European tie, Pioli said: “The overriding feeling within us is one of revenge, we want to show that we are not the same as we were on Saturday.
“We disappointed the fans, who have always supported us, and if they booed us it means that we were really poor. We are aware of this. We now have an opportunity to put in a proper performance for the Milan supporters.”
Still, Pioli insists that he has the backing of the Milan hierarchy.
“Actions speak louder than words in those situations. I repeat that the club have provided me with the best conditions, they have given me a competitive team. I take responsibility for the negative performances in the last few games. With the passion I have I focus on work and preparing for the match”
On the topic of the Champions League, Pioli was asked whether tomorrow is a crucial game for Milan’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds.
“If we’re talking about the Champions League, absolutely yes,” he replied. “We can no longer just hope for positive results from teams elsewhere. It will be very difficult because the opponents play at the highest level. It can be a great match because I have strong players and we have the right ideas to put them in danger.
“Certain performances cost us too much, and there were some results where we deserved more. We paid the price in the last match because we didn’t perform well enough compared to what we could have and what we wanted.
“We have to maintain a very high level of attention in both phases of the game.”
On the work that has gone into preparing for the PSG game, Pioli said: “The day before (the game) focused on work and discussion. I spoke, the players spoke, as is normal. That is always the case within united groups who have to overcome a difficult moment.
“A lot of preparation and concentration has gone into ensuring we put in a positive performance tomorrow.”
Problem with Milan is that they have mediocre team and mediocre coach. All tactics goes like give the ball to the Leao and hope for the best. Tomorrow Dembele andMbappe will have fun and it will be bye bye CL for Milan and honestly they have nothing to do there either.