‘There wasn’t enough aggression’ – Reijnders admits Milan ‘have to change’ in second leg | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders has become the latest AC Milan player to suggest that the team did not show enough aggression during the defeat to Feyenoord tonight.

Milan have left themselves with it all to do in the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against the Rotterdam club as they lost the first leg 1-0 at De Kuip, and it was deserved too in truth.

The only goal of the game came in the opening few minutes and in truth it will be one that Mike Maignan will feel bitter about as he let Igor Paixao’s shot from range beat him at the near post after an awkward bounce.

Nonetheless, the Rossoneri had the chance to create chances and get themselves back into it in the remaining 80+ minutes, and yet they remained lacking in composure and killer instinct, eventually losing without scoring.

Reijnders spoke to Sky Italia after the full-time whistle and offered an honest reflection after what was another disappointing game to kill any momentum that was being generated. MilanNews relayed his comments.

What went wrong?

“I think I should have shot less hastily. We allowed counter-attacks and we knew they were dangerous there. In the end our aggression wasn’t enough.”

How do you rate the starting line-up with four forwards?

“I don’t think the problem was the number of attackers, everyone wants to work and fight for the team. I think there wasn’t enough aggression and we have to change this next game.”

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Do you feel comfortable in a two-man midfield?

“Yes, of course, now I have to control the game more in midfield but I still have the freedom to go and attack. I could have done it more this evening. I have to look at my game again and see what I can do better.”

Have the signings brought personality?

“Yes but it’s not a problem: the new guys have the desire to fight for the team and have many qualities. Today we didn’t show these qualities as a team.”