Stefano Pioli reveals what Milan must avoid in tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb and insists his players should not be angry but ‘focused.’
The Italian tactician met the media on the eve of a crucial Champions League clash on Croatian soil, where the Rossoneri must avoid defeat to keep their qualification hopes alive.
“This game means so much, we want to get to the last game with a chance to qualify, so we need an important performance,” the coach said at a press conference.
The Rossoneri won their only Champions League match so far in the reverse fixture at San Siro. What did they learn?
“Dinamo close the spaces well, they are dangerous with counter-attacks, they are complete and we must pay attention. They are obtaining great results, they haven’t lost at home since 2021, so we must be focused and be aware of our qualities.”
Milan lost back-to-back games against Chelsea, but the defeat at San Siro was controversial as Fikayo Tomori saw red after just 18 minutes after causing a questionable penalty. Are Milan players angry ahead of their upcoming European fixture?
“We don’t need it, we need focus and lucidity,” said Pioli.
“Dinamo haven’t lost a home game since December 2021, they are a tough opponent, we need to approach the game well.
“Sometimes, the team is a bit too stretched and tomorrow, it should not happen. To me, every game is crucial. We prepare for each match as if it was the last one.”
Both Dinamo and Milan earned four points in the opening four games of the Champions League Group E, while RB Salzburg and Chelsea have six and seven, respectively.
The Rossoneri won the last four Serie A games and are three points behind table leaders Napoli.