Milan coach Stefano Pioli says the Coppa Italia is one of the clubs objectives this season, following their 4-1 win over Cagliari. Goals from Luka Jovic, Chaka Traore and Rafael Leao helped secure a much needed victory, earning progression to the quarter-finals of the competition. Speaking with Mediaset post-game, Pioli explained the importance of the win, highlighting the impact that the younger players are having during an injury crisis:
There were many young players on the field tonight…
“We started off a little slow, some guys were a little excited, but after the goal we loosened up. I’m happy with their performances.
“The youngsters have changed, now it’s more easy to train the more experienced ones. Their attitudes give us hope, the youth sector has done a great job.
“They can stay with us, so they will no longer be considered just options, but alternatives when needed. We wanted this victory and we approached this match in the right way.”
Is the Coppa Italia a real target for Milan, despite the rotation?
“We care. Tonight there were two priorities, namely preserving those who played the most and fielding a team eager to win. We want to try, the Coppa Italia is one of our objectives, as is the Europa League.”
Were your selection choices lucky madness or risking it all?
“Absolutely not risking everything. I made some clear choices for our moment and for how I saw the boys. The priority was to preserve certain players.
“Loftus-Cheek and Bartesaghi had a fever, Kjaer can’t play three games in a row, Leao was coming back from an injury. The boys have shown that they deserve this chance.”
Luka Jovic is in a great run of form…
“He has great qualities, he must believe in it even more. He arrived when he wasn’t in condition, now he’s well physically and mentally, he must insist and continue with these ambitions and motivations.”
