"The Europa League is our Champions League": Stefano Pioli's message is clear, Milan must give everything, fight as if they were on the most important stage of international football, as if there was a piece of history at stake.
Saying goodbye to the Champions League, an elimination that marked the lowest point of the Rossoneri's season and a wound that still hasn't completely healed - "The disappointment remains from that evening in Newcastle - recalls the coach - but then we couldn't waste energy in thinking about what could have been but instead we had to throw all our motivation into this Europa League" - Milan's mind is now focused on lifting the trophy that has never been lifted before.
"Having never won the Europa League is an additional motivation.
We must remain focused, Rennes are doing very well. Now our objective is only the double clash. We must however participate in this competition with the absolute ambition of reaching the bottom".
Milan are among the favorites for the title even if Pioli once again prefers to think game by game.
"First let's think about qualifying then I'll say where we can be. For now the favorites are Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool and Atalanta", says the coach.
Winning is also fundamental because Milan must maintain a trend of results that has seen them almost keep pace with league leaders Inter in the championship.
There is an ending yet to be written, that of the Milan film and perhaps also of his adventure on the Rossoneri bench.
"Films are often judged based on the quality of the second half, I hope that the quality of our half is of a high level to ensure that it can become a very positive season", Pioli's hope.
Also because kicking out the winner is almost impossible"
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