AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to DAZN following the 2-2 result against Salernitana in Salerno. Here are his words:
"This result leaves us with regrets, as we have often felt this season. Perhaps the most difficult thing was unlocking the game, and we managed that, controlling the game well. We made some mistakes that at this level cannot be allowed. Then, of course, we managed to come back, to secure a positive result, but it's not what we wanted."
What's behind the lack of consistency?
"It's a combination of things. When these situations repeat, mentality becomes crucial. We need more attention if these situations persist. The action leading to the corner kick for the first goal, we were all caught off guard, more attention and intensity are needed. Better marking. Many things that we are paying a high price for, preventing us from having consistency. We're searching for enthusiasm, searching for confidence, but then it always slips away, much due to our own faults, and that's not good."
A strong team would overturn and dominate the game:
"The only positive thing we did, in my opinion, is that we reacted like a great team and tried to win until the end; we even had chances. For all the situations we created, we should have scored 4-5 goals. I don't think it's about the quality of the players; I believe it requires something more. But I don't think at the end of the first half we were convinced we could turn it around. Then conceding a goal like we did, with a player down, with a long shot... It's not easy for anyone. The positive tonight is the desire to try until the end, and I don't think the guys gave up. Secondly, we shouldn't have allowed Salernitana to take the lead or get back into the game. These are things a great team manages, and we didn't, which means we still have a lot of work to become a great team."
You didn't finish off the game, Pioli said:
"Yes, a correct analysis. Controlling the game doesn't mean passing the ball backward; it means giving the opponents little possession and continuing to be dangerous. There were 3-4 situations in the first half where they tried to push higher, so there was space to exploit differently. Unfortunately, we couldn't do it, and that's a significant limitation."
Tomori's injury, yet another one:
"It's tough, honestly, there have been many. Fik was one of those playing more frequently, and he was doing well. It's a problem we need to try to solve quickly, but at the moment, we're definitely facing difficulties. Even for that goal (Candreva's goal, editor's note), unfortunately, there's a player down. We need to do better."
Have you started working to change things? Pioli said:
"It's clear that we're putting in everything we have in terms of preparation, individual levels, prevention, and care. We've been working together for a long time, and many of us are working at Milanello, but at the moment, the work isn't giving us the results we hoped for."
READ MORE | "Milan without spirit and without leaders against the easiest opponent" – Italian journalist goes on a rant following draw vs Salernitana
