Following his team's draw against Manchester United in the Europa League round of 16's first leg earlier tonight, AC Milan's head coach Stefano Pioli has spoken through the microphones of Sky. Here are his statements:
On the game:
"I thought they were the right opponent for us. We are working to win again, to grow, to bring Milan back to where it deserves. These are the races that make us grow, that make us question: we want to get to the end, and to do so we need to overcome these obstacles. The turn is all to be earned: it will take another high-level game. But there is a lot of satisfaction with this result".
On the recovery:
"A short time, but the boys are so good that we will not perceive it very much".
On Kessie's goal:
"I had rejoiced for his great goal, we were starting to win the field and confidence. The goal would have given us more mental strength, but the referee's decision was another and therefore nothing".
On his exultation:
"There is really a lot of satisfaction. I'm saying that I'm not coaching a normal group, but exceptional: when I see that the guys give their soul to achieve a certain result and we succeed, I think it's right to be happy. We would have accepted a draw gladly, but it can even be tight ... Now let's think about the return leg".
On next games:
"For the way we play, we must have a high level of concentration: since September we play a game every four days, but we never give up. The boys play, fight, they are fine: we absolutely must continue. It is a defining moment for the Europa League and the championship. We have Napoli, the return leg with Manchester and Fiorentina. But for this week we will need to keep a very high level".
On Leao :
"He doesn't need to be pampered, but to perform like this. He has to grow, feel the opposing area, attack. I like his desire to stay inside the game: he is superior to last season".
