Pioli defends Milan: We were superior in the Champions League against Newcastle, my team holds its head high

Milan lost the derby with Inter a few days ago and in the daily Italian press there are professional analyzes that show that things are not going well with coach Stefano Pioli's team and the situation does not look so promising for the Reds and Blacks in this first half of the season. As if the deep defeat in the derby with Inter was not enough, there is an unconvincing draw in the Champions League, in the first round of the group stage, right in front of Newcastle. It is clear that Milan does not have the potential of a season ago and the claims to win the title and go as far as possible in the Champions League are not based on the potential that the group has shown so far. Coach Pioli has defended his group from criticism, but what is visible and actually constitutes the fact, is related to the lack of desired results from Milan at this stage. Actually, Milan tried throughout the game to win against Newcastle, but the Rossoneri missed the goal in the first challenge of group F in the Champions League. Otherwise, the "group of hell" where PSG and Borussia Dortmund also belong. Stefano Pioli's team reacted after the embarrassing 5-1 defeat in the derby with Inter. Dominating the English whites, but the three points did not come and the challenge ended 0-0. However, coach Pioli sees the glass as half full. "I am very satisfied with the match we played. We controlled the game, we dominated Newcastle, while we also did well in defense. We were dangerous in attack, but we did not manage to finalize the chances we created. We had a strong opponent in front of us, but we were better than Newcastle in every aspect. We were intense, but also in terms of quality we were above them. We came out of San Siro with our heads held high," Pioli emphasized. Then a comment for the fans, but also the American Yunus Musah, who gave very good sparks in the minutes he played as a substitute. "I really appreciate the applause of the fans, just as I understand the boos. The public's encouragement was unique. They gave us a lot of heart. Too bad we couldn't win. I was never afraid that the team would not respond after the derby. Sunday was a very difficult day, it was not easy to talk to the team. I did it more with individuals than with the group. Musah? He has some great features but needs to improve a bit tactically. Because there are times when it moves around the field. I chose the starter Pobega because he is more accurate and gave us something more in terms of centimeters against a very physical team. But Yunus will give us a lot. His turn will come very soon."