Suara.com – AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli now considers the Champions League zone equivalent to winning the Italian League for his team, after the Rossoneri suffered an embarrassing 2-5 defeat to their guest Sassuolo in the Italian League match, Sunday (29/1/2023)
For the first time in Milan’s history they have conceded at least four goals in two consecutive matches, after the previous two matches Milan lost 0-4 to Lazio and were beaten 0-3 to Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup.
“Recent performances have shown we are struggling, this should push me to understand the situations that need improvement and deal with them in a different way,” Pioli said as quoted by Sky Sport Italia.
Sassuolo players celebrate Matheus Henrique’s goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Sassuolo, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, on January 29, 2023. MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP
“Our Scudetto this season is to secure a place in the Champions League, that’s the goal,” he added.
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Pioli’s decision to save Rafael Leao made no difference to the team, who gallantly lifted the league trophy eight months ago.
“It wasn’t just eight months ago, this (team) doesn’t look like the same team from three weeks ago. Since failing to beat Roma after going 2-0 up, we haven’t been able to play normally.” said the former coach of Fiorentina.
“The last two training sessions have been very positive, but this time we got a slap in the face, we struggled to get up and react. I understand that we don’t have the same light touch as last season, so we need to work with more focus and confidence. We have to prove that we can still have a good season and qualify for the Champions League.”
Pioli also insisted his squad were not satisfied after winning the league title, something that many did not expect when Milan did so.
“It’s easy to say that, but that’s not what happened. Do you think I didn’t tell them how it was? We had the right attitude and hunger, but we didn’t have the reaction anymore to bounce all the way through the game,” said Pioli.
Also Read: Link to Watch Juventus vs Monza in the Italian League Tonight, Sunday 29 January 2023: Lineups, Live Scores and Streaming
In the next Italian League match, Milan will meet city rivals Inter again on February 5. Victory over Inter will surely boost the confidence of Pioli’s men, who have lost four and drawn two in their last six matches in all competitions.
