AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli feels ‘regret’ that his side were not able to find a way to win against Newcastle United after what was a dominant performance.
Milan was held to a 0-0 draw by Newcastle United in their opening match in the group stages of the 2023–24 Champions League. There is no denying that Milan had the better opportunities throughout the entire 90 minutes, but they were unable to get past Nick Pope.
Rafael Leao also wasted an opportunity after running deep into the box before he tripped over, while Tommaso Pobega had a shot cleared off the line. Heroic saves from other players helped kept the Magpies in the game. While we wait for the outcome of PSG-Dortmund, the 0-0 draw maintains the competition wide open.
After the game, Pioli spoke with Milan TV to try and determine what aspects of a strong performance were lacking in end product, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
What are your feelings after this match?
“Performance evaluation is easy. We played the game far and wide, but we didn’t finish some rather simple chances well. Regret for not being able to win.
“We must persist and continue to play like this, we played well against a strong opponent and we were a team against a strong opponent, putting everything we had on the pitch.”
What happened with Maignan?
“He felt a twinge in his back as he attempted to shift the ball. Small, let’s hope, he says. The hazards rise as we play more games, and he played more games for the national team. Sportiello, though, performed admirably and will soon be prepared.
After the game, Pioli spoke to Sky Italia, where he was once more questioned about his evaluation of the performance.
“I’m extremely happy with how the game went; we had a fantastic build-up phase and tried to be dangerous at all times. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t take advantage of the possibilities to end the impasse,” he remarked.
We performed better than our formidable adversaries. We need to keep developing and getting better, even though we have the necessary skills
What about Leao’s back heel attempt?
I thought he would break the deadlock, even Giroud who tried the overhead kick instead of going with his head. The team and the fans deserved to win, tonight we can go off with our heads held high.
I thank the fans who applauded me, I also understand those who booed me but our fans’ incitement to the team is unique. Unfortunately, what we wanted didn’t arrive.
Were you afraid that the team wouldn’t respond?
No, I know my team too well. The disappointment was enormous, it wasn’t easy to talk to the team on Sunday. Since Monday I have reviewed the things that a coach must see in finishing an important match. We needed to play, we had we need to win but we’ll keep the performance.
The conditions of Loftus-Cheek and Maignan?
Maignan felt a little something, he says little and I trust him. Loftus-Cheek just a fatigue, a cramp. It’s clear that we play a lot, we play too much and the players who have played for the national team raise the risk of injuries.
Musah seems like an interesting player…
Absolutely yes, he needs to be considered tactically and between him and Tommaso I chose Pobega because he gave us important height. He has different characteristics than the other midfielders, his turn will come soon.
