Coach Pioli: 'Milan fans have the right to be angry'

Italy According to coach Stefano Pioli, Milan's chance of advancing to the Champions League is very narrow after losing 1-3 to Dortmund in the penultimate match of the group stage on the evening of November 28.

"We are disappointed to lose at home," said coach Pioli after the match. "The task now is very heavy. We have to try to win against Newcastle and wait for the result of the remaining match. The chances are very small, it is no longer in Milan's hands."

Dortmund are the first team in Group F to qualify after winning their third consecutive match. Milan are bottom of the group with five points, the same as Newcastle and two points behind PSG. Kylian Mbappe's late goal helped PSG snatch a point from Newcastle and secure their place in the final game. Milan have the least chance of progressing as they must beat Newcastle and wait for PSG to lose at Dortmund.

"Milan fans have the right to be angry and disappointed," coach Pioli admitted that his team did not play convincingly against Dortmund. "We missed opportunities, such as the penalty kick early in the game and the situation that could have made it 2-1. Thiaw's injury also made the defense more fragile. When you give Dortmund space, they will punish you."

Coach Pioli was not satisfied with his players' performance in the match against Dortmund at San Siro on the evening of November 28. Photo: AP

Things could have gone differently for Milan if Olivier Giroud had converted a penalty in the sixth minute. The veteran French striker curled a shot into the left corner but was caught out by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Milan missed a few more chances and only managed one goal thanks to Samuel Chukwueze's solo effort late in the first half.

"Giroud clearly did not have a great evening," added Pioli. "He is an experienced player and penalties can always be missed. The concern is that Milan have a defensive crisis with so many games ahead."

Milan lost centre-back Malick Thiaw early in the second half. The San Siro hosts let Dortmund score two goals in just 12 minutes after he left the pitch. Thiaw is expected to be out for a month with a hamstring strain. Milan only have one real centre-back left in Fikayo Tomori, with Simon Kjaer, Marco Pellegrino, Pierre Kalulu and Mattia Caldara all injured.

Coach Pioli admitted that Milan's defense is alarming. He said: "Thiaw is one of the best players in the defense. Losing him now is a big loss, when the others are not back. We have to manage in a difficult situation."

Vy Anh

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