Leao out, Stefano Pioli makes mea culpa

Leao out, Stefano Pioli makes mea culpa

After the 1-0 loss to Inter, Stefano Pioli addressed the press conference, “The game plan was to wait for Inter in our half of the field, which we did quite well, but then once we got the ball we attacked and failed. In the coming days I will definitely reintroduce the three-man defense, then how we develop the offensive phase will depend on the opponent.”

Rafael Leao started on the bench but Pioli admitted, “I would not do it again. I made the choices I thought were best, Origi should have worked vertically with Giroud to cover Calhanoglu’s area. I don’t think it was Origi’s fault but too much frenzy, we should have tried to go up more with the team’s center of gravity and we missed too many balls.”

“The fans have every right to criticize: the last few performances have not been up to par. Everything I have gained has been through passion, work and ideas. Certainly we are a bit heavier mentally, less light and less enthusiastic. This yes, it shows, however, we must be strong and understand that these moments are overcome with great confidence, will and determination. The next opportunity is in a few days,” Pioli concluded.