AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to Milan TV at the end of Sampdoria - Milan, a Serie A fixture that ended in the Rossoneri's favour with a score of 1-2. The goals were scored by Junior Messias and Olivier Giroud for the Serie A champions.
"The double absence of Divock (Origi) and Ante (Rebic) complicates the offensive department, but we also have other solutions and characteristics. We put in a solid performance and with more quality than the match in the Champions League. Too bad there were 10 of them left, but great credit to my players for believing in it until the end."
On the performance:
"In the first half we played well, we could have hurt every time we launched an attack. Having only scored one goal was the only limitation. I was lucky enough to have Fikayo on the bench, the 3 defenders gave us the opportunity to regain numerical parity. When you put so much desire to win, then you are rewarded."
Pioli on the 3-man defence:
"I have this situation in mind here since this summer, we have 5 central defenders all 5 strong, Simon is a player of great charisma. I would have liked to try it this summer, it was my idea but the other players came later and Simon wasn't 100% straight away. It is not a problem for the players, there is this possibility: it depends on the matches and we will see when to use it."
On Pobega:
"I rate it very positively, it is yet another proof that players need to grow, play, make mistakes. He's been clean technically, he's very good at insertions and he's physically strong. He made a very positive performance, I'm happy. He works very well and gives so much every day, it is right that he brings home some gratifications."
Are there any doubts about De Ketelaere?
"In my opinion, there aren't any. He was inside the game and we looked for him often, goal or no goal, he was important. I liked him so much, he does what he is asked: only going forward and no steps backwards."
Pioli on the referee:
"Why do the players, even ours, not protest in European competitions? The referee determines the behavior of the players, in Italy we whistle and talk too much. The referee must be respected, in Europe they don't give explanations, they don't stop to talk. In my opinion there is a little too much talk on the pitch, and then there is nervousness as a result."
