Pioli Sees Positives Despite Defeat
Written By Jacobs Dunga
The gaffer picked positives from their tour of the United States despite the team’s loss in their last game.
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AC Milan concluded their tour of the United States with a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona.
The Rossoneri had previously lost to Real Madrid where they surrendered a two goal lead before going down on penalties to local rivals Juventus following a two all draw.
The final game against the Blaugrana yielded some positives as opined by the coach but they return to their base without a win in three.
“The assessment of the tour is very positive, because we worked well and took part in three top-level matches, which told us something special. Pioli told the press after the game.
“There are three weeks left, and what I’ve seen is certainly positive. It has taught us lessons. The new players are integrating well, but it’s clear that time is needed.”
Milan have made more than seven signings in the current window as they bid to reclaim the Scudetto.
Meanwhile…
The coach also revealed that the new signings will bring dynamism to their game as against the previously held fallacy that the team only relies on Rafael Leao.
The arrival of Samuel Chukwueze, Christian Pulisic and Noah Okafor in the attack is expected to fortify the Rossoneri’s attack going into the new season but the coach also is worried about his defense.
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“With the three up front, I expect them to score goals. We’ve always been dangerous but we haven’t always exploited the opportunities.”
“Still, there are areas left to improve on, particularly at the back.”
“We struggled to get the ball away from Barcelona and in the defensive phase, we conceded. That’s normal against a team with so much attacking threat.”
“We have to lose hold of the ball on fewer occasions, the ball needs to be managed better.” Said the Italian gaffer.
“Of course, it is our goal to have Rafa in possession as much as possible, but we don’t want to have him as our only option and he must give us the possibility to get him, the ball moving with more continuity.”
Recalled Leao missed the first leg of the Champions League semi final against Inter where Milan lost 2-0 and was not at full fitness as he could do nothing to prevent a 1-0 second leg loss.
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