UCL: ‘Milan fans have the right to be angry and disappointed’
Stefano Pioli acknowledged Milan fans ‘have the right to be angry and disappointed’ after the defeat to Borussia Dortmund left them on the verge of Champions League elimination, identifying the moments where it all went wrong.
The Rossoneri are on the verge of elimination not just from the Champions League, but Europe altogether, having been beaten 3-1 at home by Dortmund.
It had started so well with a penalty in the opening six minutes, but Olivier Giroud’s attempt was saved, then Marco Reus converted at the other end four minutes later.
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Samuel Chukwueze equalised with a splendid solo effort, but Malick Thiaw’s hamstring strain seemed to shake Milan, who conceded another two goals from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi.
“I think we lost it the moment we could’ve directed the game our way, on the penalty but also just a minute before their second goal when we could’ve gone 2-1 up on the counter-attack and didn’t finish it off,” Pioli told Mediaset.
“When you don’t score and then concede, that knocks the wind out of your sails. Obviously, losing Thiaw also damaged our defensive balance. We should’ve defended better on those situations.
“We were also able to create chances at the other end, which we knew would happen. There were moments when we should’ve put the game on our side and instead the momentum shifted the other way when our opponents were more clinical, sharper and more prepared to take those chances.
“Naturally, when Dortmund have those wide open spaces to attack into, they become very dangerous.”
The penalty miss seemed to leave Giroud upset and he never quite managed to get over that blow to his confidence.
“Of course I spoke to him, as I saw he was shaken, but he is a player of such experience that he had to realise these things can happen and penalties can be missed. It was not his best night,” added Pioli.
The drama in this incredibly tight group never seems to end, as PSG equalised with a very soft penalty in stoppages against Newcastle United.
Borussia Dortmund now have 10 points and are guaranteed qualification, PSG 7 are on, Newcastle and Milan 5.
It means in order to stay in the tournament, Milan must win at St. James’ Park and hope that Paris Saint-Germain lose in Dortmund.
“This was a disappointing evening for us, we knew this was a huge opportunity and that weighs on us. Now it is our duty to go to Newcastle, play a good game and try to win. It is still the Champions League, it is the last game of the group and we still have a small chance of qualifying,” added Pioli.
Thiaw is now expected to be out for a month with a hamstring strain, so with Simon Kjaer, Marco Pellegrino, Pierre Kalulu and Mattia Caldara already injured, that means Fikayo Tomori is the only centre-back.
“Clearly, it is worrying. There are too many matches now, Malick was playing really well and when you get so many injuries in the same area of the squad, naturally it becomes even more damaging.”
Pioli was asked if he wanted to send a message to the Milan fans after this latest painful setback.
“It is difficult to find the words right now. I also don’t think the fans need a message. They have the right to be angry and disappointed, while we have the duty to do better, as this was not the performance we wanted.
“All we can do is win in Newcastle and then it is no longer in our hands. So we will try to do what we can and hope.”