Pioli satisfied with Milan performance in thrilling win, praises desire of Rebic

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli praised his side for the resilience they showed to come from behind and beat Udinese at San Siro.

Rebic made an almost instant impact after coming off the bench by levelling just after half time, and Theo Hernandez's strike looked to have sealed the win for the Rossoneri inside the final 20 minutes.

Pioli was interviewed by DAZN after the game.

“We started a little contracted, Udinese were better than we were on a physical level, they often got the better of the second balls,” he said.

“Today we were in a bit of an emergency, I am satisfied with the boys' performance. In the past we have worked well but we were unable to collect points, now we can do it and we must continue like this.”

On the response after conceding so early: “Conceding a goal like this took away a bit of lucidity, Udinese covered the field well, we needed more movement and sometimes some players close to Ibra.

“In the first half we struggled but we created chance, we gave something but above all because Udinese were better than us.

“The spirit has always been there, that of Bergamo was a game that should not have happened, then we reacted. The arrival of Ibra gave the team more depth, determination and conviction.

“It was a very tiring week, I asked the players for a perfect week and we got it. We will never win games easily, we will have to work as a team in the 95th minute, but now we have the belief that the goal is there.”

Pioli also spoke to Sky about the impact of Rebic: “After Christmas he is even more willing, but he has never lacked his desire. Ibra Has also raised the level of training, he is an added value.”