Pioli points out AC Milan’s struggles after home loss to Dortmund
AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli acknowledged that his side has not been at their best after the disappointing 3-1 home loss to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, which saw their hopes of progressing to the Champions League knockout phase diminish.
Goals from Marco Reus, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and Karim Adeyemi propelled Dortmund to victory despite Samuel Chukwueze’s first goal for Milan, with the Germans progressing to the last 16.
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The Rossoneri are bottom of Group F, and Pioli accepted that his team did not show the quality they needed to turn their fortunes in the competition around.
“We did not show the quality that we needed to turn the match around, take a lead and change the match tactically and mentally,” the Italian said.
“And we had chances; the penalty first of all, but then we also had chances after we equalised, especially a counterattack three versus one right before we conceded the second goal.
“You need more quality if you want to win a match like this, and we could not find a way,” Pioli concluded.
Milan have won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions, which shows their struggles in recent times. However, Pioli believes his side have what it takes to weather their ongoing storm and get back to form.
“I think that we have always been good at bouncing back from this kind of disappointments, and tonight it is a tough one.
“But now we need to refocus on Serie A and try to build on our win against Fiorentina, play a good match against Frosinone and then try to win the last group match in the Champions League.
“This is certainly not our best moment, mentally speaking, but we need to find the strength to do better,” the 58-year-old tactician added.
Milan are not in a place of strength in the Champions League and they will be hoping Dortmund beats PSG while they grab a win in their final group game against Newcastle United in order to advance to the knockout phase.
