Milan coach: We will not make the same mistakes against Atletico Madrid

Milan coach Stefano Pioli confirmed today, Monday, September 27, that his team learned important lessons from the defeat against Liverpool that will make it better prepared against its guest, Atletico Madrid, the Spanish champions in the European Football Championship.

Milan returned to play in Europe’s top club competition for the first time in eight years, but suffered a 3-2 defeat at Anfield in their first match in Group B.

The Rossoneri will try to compensate, tomorrow, Tuesday, when they face Atletico Madrid at the San Siro stadium, and achieve a positive result.
Atlético Madrid tries a goalless draw against Porto two weeks ago.

“We’ve learned that some small details make the difference in these matches,” said Pioli, quoted by Britain’s Sky Sports.

And he added, “We conceded goals at Anfield because of recklessness and technical errors. We need a culture of playing at the highest levels, playing in a direct and easy way and being fast without making mistakes, because the opponent can punish you at any time.”

He continued, “We are talking about an opponent who has played in the Champions League for many years and reached the final, and I think that the lesson we learned against Liverpool will help us prepare well against a very strong opponent.”

Coach Pioli’s team has not lost in the Italian league this season, and will enter the Champions League match, excited by the victory over Venezia and Spezia.

Atletico lost 1-0 to its host Alaves, on Saturday, and scored one win in their last four matches in all competitions.

On the idea that Atletico Madrid is going through a bad period, Pioli said: “I do not agree with the opinion that Atletico is going through a bad period now. As of Saturday, Atletico had not lost any match and is still among the top teams in the Spanish League.”

He concluded by saying: “Atletico is a very strong team with a capable coach and players at the highest level who will take advantage of any small lapse, and we must play carefully throughout the match.”