Stefano Pioli feels Milan ‘proved strength, character and pride’ in the comeback victory over Newcastle United, so while they are out of the Champions League, ‘we will do everything to win the Europa League.’
The regrets remain that 0-0 draw at San Siro when the Rossoneri had 26 attempts on goal, going into this game knowing they had to win and hope PSG also lost in Dortmund.
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Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze turned it around from the Joelinton opener to win at St. James’ Park, but the 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain draw means they drop into the Europa League play-offs.
“There are many feelings, certainly going out of the Champions League is disappointing, especially considering how we well did last season,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“We knew this group was completely different and very difficult. It’s sad to have regrets, we deserved more and did not know how to take our opportunities in the other games, whereas tonight we did do that. We were not intimidated or demoralised by an opponent that played with incredible intensity.
“This means we will do everything we can to win the Europa League.”
It was put to Pioli that the first half performance was sluggish and did not look like a team that had to win this match in order to progress.
“I don’t think we played badly the first half, but Newcastle had this incredible intensity and highlighted our errors. They had lost at home only twice this season against Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, while we had not won in England for many years and finally it arrived.”
The only time Milan had won on English soil was 1-0 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium in 2005, around seven draws and 13 defeats.
“Today’s performance should only give us confidence going forward. My big regret is that the team is not making the most of its potential right now, in Europe and in Serie A, so that is what I must work on and try to change that.
“This squad has so much potential, we created so many chances especially in the Champions League and lacked that bit of determination and quality. With that, we would’ve been here celebrating Champions League progress.
“Clearly, we can only now try to consolidate third place in Serie A and then try to do more. Our minimum objective is to qualify for the Champions League again, that is the very least we can aim for.”
Rafael Leao made his comeback after a month out with a thigh injury and should’ve scored when he thumped the base of the upright on the counter-attack.
“He has matured a great deal, is more focused, responsible and participates more in the game, but that’s natural to see growth when he has been here since he was 19. I didn’t even know how many minutes he could guarantee this evening, I kept asking how he was feeling. He managed to hurt Newcastle in the second half with his pace.”
Mike Maignan made an extraordinary save on the Bruno Guimaraes curler, pushing it onto the crossbar, but after that Milan seemed more in control.
“Unfortunately, we have seen recently that we dropped in intensity during the second half, so I had already planned changes to keep up the tempo and give a few more options. The team proved its strength, character and pride to win a very difficult game against a strong opponent.”