‘That’s the thing’ – Pioli explains what Milan need to beat Roma | OneFootball

Milan coach Stefano Pioli is confident Milan ‘can win’ against Roma if they improve defensively but insists the Rossoneri deserved a draw in the first leg last week.

Pioli spoke at a press conference on Wednesday on the eve of a Europa League quarter-final second leg against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Milan suffered a 1-0 loss at San Siro last week.

“It will surely be a high-level game. We must take care of details more than last Thursday. I trust the team,” Pioli told reporters, as quoted by Milannews.

The Rossoneri boss seemed uninterested in reports that Milan will likely sack him in June if he fails to reach the semi-finals. At the same time, Daniele De Rossi said the game is the ‘last resort’ for the Rossoneri.

“Clearly, it’s the last resort because we have a chance to progress and qualify for the Europa League semis. However, next year, we’ll surely play in the Champions League and tomorrow, we’ll give our best,” he said.

Two of Milan’s Champions League group stage opponents, PSG and Borussia Dortmund, have reached the Champions League semis. What does it mean for Pioli?

“We are the same team that reached the Champions League semi-final last season,” the coach noted.

“The level has risen and we’ve done it too. One of our opponents will reach the Final, but it’s pretty useless.”

Do Milan need to improve defensively in Rome?

“That’s the thing. If we defend well, we can win the game,” said the Rossoneri boss, who was not bothered to see media saying Daniele De Rossi had outclassed him at San Siro last week.

“It’s annoying to lose games, comments are normal,” he argued.

“Judgements often depend on the final result, but that was another game. We have rewatched it and we know what we must do. Even if we face different situations tomorrow, I am sure the lads will know how to prevent them.

“The game is so important that the guys know how to play it. The only thing that matters is to play and win.”

During a different interview with Sky Sport Italia, Pioli added: “The fairest [first leg] result would have been a draw, but it didn’t happen. Roma were better than us in some details, but if we improve in some little things, we can make the difference. The first half was not adequate, but we could have levelled the score after the break. I know my players well, and I trust them.”

What did he tell players on the Olimpico turf today?

“I said simple things. It’s a knock-out game, but we must enjoy this eve. The important thing is to leave everything on the pitch,” Pioli replied.

Rafael Leao has shown maturity and a top-class performance against Sassuolo, following criticism from the previous meeting with Roma. The Portuguese also joined Pioli for today’s pre-match pressers.

“When we say that the lad has improved, it’s also because he takes responsibility, which is key in his journey,” said Pioli.

“Rafa is raising the level of responsibility and awareness, but we must remember that we win or lose as a team.”

Pioli also met Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Geoffrey Moncada before this morning’s training session at Milanello.

“There were cameras today, but you saw something that is normal to us. On the eve of the game, Zlatan and Geoffrey come to the pitch to talk. We discussed what we must expect and how much we must be ready,” Pioli concluded.