Reijnders: “It’s impossible to concede 3 goals all the same, we have to look at ourselves carefully in the mirror” | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders during Cagliari-Milan at Sardegna Arena on November 9, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Tijjani Reijnders was disappointed with the way Milan defended as they drew Cagliari 3-3 at Sardegna Arena.

After the big win in the Champions League against Real Madrid, Milan returned to the reality of their Serie A season and once again dropped points against a team from the lower side of the table.

Milan conceded not one, not two but three goals against Cagliari, who had previously scored just 9 goals in the entire campaign. Luckily for the Rossoneri, they had a good offensive performance and scored 3 goals of their own, with Reijnders once again influential, this time with an assist for Rafael Leão.

“We started by conceding a goal straight away, that’s not how you want to start a match,” the Dutchman told DAZN at the end of the match. “It’s impossible, as Milan, to concede 3 goals which are all the same, it’s impossible for us.”

How did you come up with the assist for Leão?“I was looking for space in the middle. I didn’t find it and then I saw Rafa attacking the space. It was the only way to get it to him; luckily, he then scored.”

What did the coach ask of you on half time about the defensive phase?“We knew about their crosses, it’s one of their strong points. We didn’t pay attention, there was always someone free at the far post. We have to look at ourselves carefully in the mirror and improve in this aspect. You can’t win matches like this if you don’t defend well.”

Tijjani Reijnders during Cagliari-Milan at Sardegna Arena on November 9, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Speaking to MilanTV, Tijjani said: “We wanted to start strong, but I think that from the first minute we were missing sharpness. They immediately scored a goal, but luckily we came back well. But then it’s impossible to concede a goal again with the cross, which was the equalizer, and yes, it’s a shame.”

You had a nice assist…“It was not enough for today, so a goal or assist can be nice but it doesn’t count at the moment. We have to go on, and after the international break we really have to develop our defending game because conceding goals like this is impossible.”