Milan coach Stefano Pioli commented on the deplorable racist chants aimed at goalkeeper Mike Maignan: “The ignorant people must stay at home”. The Rossoneri were a goal up against Udinese when Maignan informed the referee that he had heard racist chants from behind the goal, choosing to then leave the pitch. The game continued, with Milan eventually securing a 3-2 victory with a late Noah Okafor goal, deep in stoppages. Speaking in the post-match, Pioli expressed his solidarity for Maignan’s decision, saying it’s time for change int he league:
On the chants in the stands…
“I’m clearly disappointed. I can say that I coach someone like Maignan, who is so respectful, correct and proud. It’s time to stop hearing certain things in the stadium: the ignorant people must stay at home!”
100 victories in Serie A for you…
“In the first half, we should have scored a few more goals, then out of nowhere we conceded two goals and the match became more difficult. But then if you play, if you believe in it, if you believe in your teammates and in your qualities, you can achieve important results.”
On the standings and the title race…
“We are not thinking about April-May, but about Bologna. For now, Inter and Juve are keeping too high a pace, we can only think about ourselves. Game by game, and we must work well.”
Leao doesn’t seem to miss the goal…
“Rafa’s tactical, technical and mental growth is over. The numbers say that the number of assists is higher than in the past. We have changed the way of playing a bit, we have fewer counter-attack opportunities for him, and he’s learning to move in other spaces. I think he lacks goals, but for us the team absolutely comes first.”
You have 4 points less than in the Scudetto year…
“We lost points in the direct clashes and in November, but now we are improving and growing. These victories must give us more confidence and conviction as we try to improve last year’s score and also do something more.”
The team reacted to the elimination from the Champions League…
“I’m happy that you highlight this. They are Milan players, it’s the attitude that counts.”
Can you still imagine the next 100 victories with Milan?
“Let’s hope so!”.
