The Rossoneri coach comments on the victory at Genoa’s home ground, which has put them at the top of the table: “We believed in it.”
AC Milan struggled but won away at Genoa in a game with a very dramatic ending. The Rossoneri secured a 1-0 victory with a late goal from Pulisic before sending Giroud to play as goalkeeper following Maignan’s expulsion. Coach Stefano Pioli commented after the game,
“It’s difficult to remember an ending like this. It was a unique match where we faced difficulties, but we believed in ourselves. The players deserve great credit for ending this period on a high note, playing with the right mentality and the desire to win.”
Giroud sacrificed himself between the posts, the coach added, “I like to think that what we did is part of our mentality. Pulisic wanted to be the one in goal, but it was Giroud at the end. What makes me happiest is the spirit of this group.”
AC Milan is now at the top of the standings and has rebounded after the heavy defeat in the derby. Pioli emphasized, “The growth of this team is the most important thing. To win, we’ve always had to play better than our opponents, but now we manage to win even when we’re not at our best.
Pulisic’s goal was contested. Pioli mentioned, “I really don’t know; even the referee was consistently indecisive. If they decided it’s a goal, then it’s right, as they must have reviewed it multiple times.”
The unfamiliar attacking trio of Okafor, Jovic, and Chukwueze didn’t perform as expected. Pioli explained, “In terms of characteristics, I didn’t change the team that much. I wanted a mentally prepared team because we knew it would be intense. I wanted players who were mentally fresh and eager for the opportunity, and I believe they did well, even though the match was tough.”
AC Milan currently has 21 points after eight matches, but they will face Juventus, PSG, and Napoli after the break. Pioli commented on missing Hernandez and Maignan for the Juventus match, saying, “Theo committed a foul and received a yellow card. Let’s talk about the standings after the matches against Juventus and Napoli, as they are direct clashes.”
