UEFA Champions League: Pioli wants Milan to convert performances into results

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has called on his side to turn its impressive Champions League performances into results before its clash against Atletico Madrid.

Published : Nov 23, 2021 21:34 IST

FILE PHOTO: Pioli's Milan has started the Serie A season in fine form, going unbeaten in its opening 12 games.
FILE PHOTO: Pioli's Milan has started the Serie A season in fine form, going unbeaten in its opening 12 games.
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FILE PHOTO: Pioli's Milan has started the Serie A season in fine form, going unbeaten in its opening 12 games.

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has called on his side to turn its impressive Champions League performances into results as the seven-time European Cup winners head into Wednesday's trip to Atletico Madrid needing to win at all costs.

Competing in its first Champions League competition since 2013-14, Milan sits bottom of Group B with one point from four matches, four points behind second-placed Porto, which travels to already-qualified leader Liverpool on Wednesday.

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Milan has put in some notable displays - going toe-to-toe with Liverpool at Anfield before losing 3-2, while two late goals earned Atletico a 2-1 win at San Siro - but Pioli knows it needs results to qualify for the knockout stages.

"We are hardened for this, built to be competitive," he told a news conference on Tuesday.

"For many players it's the first time in the Champions League. We've found opponents of the highest level, but we've shown we are not too far from them."

"We're aware that we've always lacked a little something when it mattered most. We need to know for tomorrow night that we need to perform with quality and attention in the two penalty areas, otherwise the performance is worthless.

"My task in preparing the team for tomorrow is quite simple: it is the last chance to stay in the Champions League."

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Milan has started the Serie A season in fine form, going unbeaten in its opening 12 games.

It did suffer its first league defeat of the campaign in a 4-3 thriller at Fiorentina on Saturday but Pioli does not believe that will have a big effect on his team.

"We lost in Florence because in the two penalty areas we weren't as precise as in the past," he added.

"We had less concentration and quality than usual. It's not a question of approach, we have played better than other games. Unfortunately we didn't score, but this is football."

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