AC Milan Coach Stefano Pioli Learning Something Securities From Chelsea's Defeat: Nothing Easy In The Champions League

JAKARTA - AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli highlighted Chelsea's defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the inaugural match of Group E of the 2022/2023 Champions League, Wednesday 7 September morning WIB.

In that match, Chelsea, who acted as the visitors, lost with a score of 0-1.

According to Pioli, the defeat proved that no Champions League matches were easy. Pioli admitted that he was surprised by the result of the match between Zagreb vs Chelsea.

However, according to him, it taught Milan players to stay focused during the Champions League competition. Moreover, their opponent after this is Zagreb.

"Our next game is at Zagreb and we know it will be a tough test, so what we have to take care of is a high focus," Pioli was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

Pioli then commented on the results of his team's 1-1 FC Salzburg draw at the Red Bull Arena.

Milan was surprised by the hosts' opener through Noah Okafor in the 28th minute. Only in the 40th minute I was able to equalize through Alexis Saelmaekers.

Ini hasil yang bagus dengan performa yang cukup, tapi bukan performa di level tinggi. Jika Anda tak meningkatkan kualitas dan tempo, itu akan membahayakan," kata Pioli.

Pioli said the team's performance was not at the top because when they entered the second half, both the hosts and the visitors did not show any significant attack.

As a result, no additional goals were created, especially from the Milan camp in the second half until the game was over.

Pioli did not deny the meeting with Salzburg was a fierce match. Moreover, according to Pioli, Salzburg is also a strong team.

"The game I admit is difficult and we have to fight hard against a strong opponent, we want victory but fail even though we can do it (match) better," continued Pioli.

The draw in this opening match made Milan in second place in the standings with one point from one draw. Meanwhile, Chelsea, who lost to Zagreb, had to languish as caretaker of Group E.