Alessandro Costacurta granted an important interview to those at La Gazzetta dello Sport. Here are his words on Milan's chances of lifting the Europa League trophy:
"Liverpool and Leverkusen are stronger. Against them, Milan wouldn't be the favoured team, but anything can happen in a potential final. The qualities to go all the way are there."
Costacurta also spoke about whether Milan should focus on the Europa League competition or in the league...
"If you reach the final, and you can even accept losing it, the season is positive. Playing for a European title has value from many perspectives: technical, image-wise. It creates anticipation, excites you for the journey. Conversely, the season would become not good. And I stress not good, I avoid saying negative."
On Stefano Pioli's rotation choices in the lineup...
"I know Pioli doesn't accept the term 'reserve', so I'll say that the substitutes have disappointed. Chukwueze, Jovic, and Okafor should have given much more. Blaming the coach all the time is a mistake, the players are responsible: they disappointed me, not Pioli."
Should confidence be renewed in Stefano Pioli?
"Too early to say. If Milan reaches the final and finishes second in the league, then yes, he should be confirmed. If Inter goes +20 ahead and Milan exits Europe against teams not at Liverpool or Bayer's level, then it's fair to question him. The feeling of the end of a cycle belongs more to the fans. The players show they follow him, lately they've won thanks to team spirit, to the strength of unity. And the group is created thanks to the coach. Then results determine, and Pioli knows it better than anyone."
On conceding many goals:
"Same as before. The imbalance is attributable to the coach, but it's also those who take the field who must make better choices. Who would have thought Pirlo would become so good at intercepting opposing balls? Or that Calhanoglu could do it? Adli, Bennacer, and Reijnders need to step up. And that's why in the summer, I would invest first and foremost in midfield. All the strongest teams in Europe make the difference there. Rodri for Manchester City is the perfect example."
On Rafael Leao, Costacurta commented:
"I've seen him grow in attitude, and it's the basis for improving in everything else: first and foremost, in finding the goal more often. I've often been critical of him, he was considered a champion too early and yet he's not one yet. However, I recognize a different attitude in him, more inclined to sacrifice. And with the desire to learn, he can really get closer to the greats."
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