Stefano Pioli insists Milan ‘should celebrate’ the 2-1 win away to Sampdoria as one of their toughest tests. ‘I remain surprised by the maturity of these lads.’
The Rossoneri maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table, with goals from Franck Kessie and Samu Castillejo, but above all achieved it without veteran leaders Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Simon Kjaer.
Stefano Pioli insists Milan ‘should celebrate’ the 2-1 win away to Sampdoria as one of their toughest tests. ‘I remain surprised by the maturity of these lads.’
The Rossoneri maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table, with goals from Franck Kessie and Samu Castillejo, but above all achieved it without veteran leaders Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Simon Kjaer.
“I told the lads we are a real team. This is a group that makes the most of every situation, even the most negative, to prove what they can really do,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s the first time we were missing Ibra, Kjaer and Bennacer, who are leaders of the side, but they used this opportunity to prove they could keep the team going. It means we have the enthusiasm and the energy to face down every challenge.”
Unusually, even Pioli ran from the touchline to join the hug after Castillejo doubled their lead.
“I have to be honest, I thought we’d finished the game. I was wrong! We then conceded a goal and it was open to the very end.
“These lads give their all throughout the week, these are the most difficult games after the Europa League, so winning them when we are considered the target for many other clubs, that is satisfying and we should celebrate.”
They had an average age of 22 years and 10 months in the starting XI.
“I continue to be surprised by the maturity of these players, even thought it was probably the youngest side we’ve had all year. They never let themselves get downhearted by bad results or go overboard with good ones, they really impressed me.”
That doesn’t mean Milan aren’t in a rush to get Ibrahimovic back from his injury.
“We all know how much Zlatan has helped us to improve and everyone wants him back as soon as possible. The same goes for Kjaer. Every player contributed, we are a great team, but the more of the individual talents we have, the better.
“We win games because I have strong players who work together.”
There is one weakness for Milan and that is their tendency to concede goals from free kicks and corners.
“The last goal we conceded from open play was against Napoli. We need to be more focused on set plays, it’s true we’re not the tallest squad, but I think we had more chances from dead-ball situations tonight than Sampdoria did.”
Pioli was asked which of the other contenders he considers to be the biggest challengers for Milan.
“I believe this weekend’s results show the strongest teams are coming, they are closing up. I am convinced Inter, Juventus and Napoli are still going to be challenging all the way to the end. How can you think Juve aren’t favourites after they won for nine years in a row? Or Inter with their investments, or Napoli with their talent?”