Milan coach Pioli with great praise for Salzburg: “If they keep playing like this, they have good chances”
At the start of the new Champions League season, AC Milan clearly had to struggle with a young and courageous team from Salzburg. Head coach Stefano Pioli then gave the Jaissle team a lot of praise.
Stefan Pioli paid tribute to Salzburg.
GEPA images
As already started in the previous season Red Bull Salzburg with a 1-1 draw against a top opponent in the Champions League season. Last year they drew away against FC Sevilla, but this time they fought the Italian champions in front of their home crowd AC Milan one point. Matthias Jaissle’s team even had the chance to take even more with them from the opening game, convincing not only the completely sold-out stadium but also the head coach of the opposing team with their enthusiasm and courageous performance.
CL Group Stage – Matchday 1
“We expected a fast and well-prepared team. We expected that we could have difficulties. If they keep playing like this, they have really good chances in this competition,” said Stefano Pioli at the after the game of the performance of the young Salzburg troupe visibly impressed.
Salzburg with a point win against Milan for the first time
The Austrian series champion offered a courageous performance from the start, convinced with playfulness, a courageous approach on the offensive and rewarded himself for a strong early phase with the opening goal by Noah Okafor (28th). For AC Milan it was the fourth time in the last six games that they had to go from behind. Pioli was accordingly dissatisfied with his team: “We have to be more attentive and determined. When the opponent scored the goal, we were disorganized. That’s one thing we have to improve on.”
In general, the 56-year-old was satisfied with his team’s performance, spoke of a “good result”, but also let some criticism ring through: “It wasn’t our performance. We needed a better one today, but we didn’t manage it .” And gave Matthias Jaissle’s team a boost: “Our opponent was actually very good.”
The 1-1 draw also means the first point for a Salzburg team against the Rossoneri. Predecessor club Austria Salzburg had to admit defeat twice in May 1994 as part of the Champions League group stage. Matthias Jaissle and his team broke this spell with a largely convincing game.