Arrigo Sacchi praises Milan players, including Portuguese star Rafael Leao following a 2-1 win against PSG in the Champions League but explains why he sometimes gets angry with the Rossoneri’s No.10.
Milan secured their first Champions League win this season on Tuesday, by beating Ligue 1 giants PSG at San Siro.
The Rossoneri’s hopes to qualify for the Round of 16 are still alive as they sit third in Group F, one point below PSG and two from Borussia Dortmund.
“It was a memorable game for Milan, a masterpiece that should be hung on a wall and admired,” Sacchi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Milan looked a bit messy in the first half. They didn’t press Mbappé and Dembélé with two men and accepted one-on-one situations, letting the French side create a few goal-scoring opportunities. They were more organised in the second half and everyone gave their soul, putting in maximum commitment.
“The win against PSG is an important answer from the group, which must continue on the same path now,” Sacchi added.
The Rossoneri had not won any of the previous four matches across all competitions, scoring just two goals.
“It is fundamental to have great motivation and team spirit to avoid ups and downs,” Sacchi continued.
“Did you see Loftus-Cheek’s physicality and power? He was strong enough to stop PSG’s attacks and start the counter-attack. He was excellent, but I have to say I liked everyone. They fought hard, suffered all together and proved to be a collective.
“Leao’s great performance must be highlighted as well. I think the Portuguese has impressive qualities, that’s why I get angry when he doesn’t use them, it’s a shame.”
Sacchi had been highly critical of the Portuguese star over the last few weeks, but Leao was named MOTM on Tuesday night after scoring a perfect bicycle kick goal to level the score in the first half.
“Yesterday, he helped the team defensively and his sprints caused trouble for PSG and gave confidence to the rest of the team,” noted Sacchi.
“His runs in the second half were sensational, it was impossible to stop him. And how can’t I mention Giroud’s header? Perfect timing, precision and power.”
The French striker has even earned comparisons with former Milan forward Mark Hateley who had scored in a similar fashion in a Derby della Madonnina in 1984, beating Inter legend Fulvio Collovati with a towering header.
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