Yahoo Sports ‘I have no doubts’ – Bierhoff optimistic about Milan’s UCL hopes after Leverkusen game
Former striker Oliver Bierhoff is confident that AC Milan will get through in the Champions League despite a rocky start, having been encouraged by what he saw against Bayer Leverkusen.
Milan fell to their second defeat in two games to begin their European campaign on Tuesday night against the German champions, but they can perhaps feel a bit unlucky to have not snatched a draw given the pressure in the second half.
The performance seems to have divided opinion, with Paulo Fonseca stating that it was the best of his time at the club so far while Zvonimir Boban disagreed, pointing out the fact that the home side were on top for 60 minutes and the Rossoneri created very little in that period.
Bierhoff spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport to give an assessment of what he has seen from Milan so far in the Champions League and in particular during Tuesday’s game.
Let’s start with the Leverkusen defeat…
“I didn’t dislike Milan. Especially in the second half. In the end I think a draw would have been fairer. At least a draw…”
For an hour, however, Leverkusen dominated…
“Xabi Alonso’s team won the Bundesliga last season by a wide margin and drew with Bayern on Saturday in Munich. It’s normal to have difficulties when you’re up against a more experienced team that has a lot of possession and quality players.”
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That said, Milan did very little in the first half…
“In the first half they were a bit too careful and fearful. They should have exploited the counterattack more because there was space. Even though they were forced to keep a deeper line than usual by the opponent’s pressing and dribbling, in my opinion there was the possibility of creating more danger.”
What is missing from Fonseca’s team?
“A bit of creativity and ideas in attack. My Milan was a team of champions who won and entertained with their play. This is a different group, but it is certainly organised and has a game idea that was evident in the second half against Bayer.”
The game changed with the introduction of Alvaro Morata. Just a coincidence?
“No. Morata won the European Championship and lifted trophies in all the teams he played for. He’s a striker who moves a lot, who creates spaces for his teammates and Tuesday he was unlucky with that header that went just wide of the post. He’ll score a lot of goals and help Milan.”
You were more similar to Tammy Abraham in characteristics…
“Yes, and I imagined what I would have done in his place, with few playable balls. Abraham fought, but he had to be served in a certain way, with the crosses that came in the last half hour.”
Zero points after two games: it has been a bad start in the Champions League for Milan…
“The new formula, with eight games and a single round robin, allows you to recover. There is no compromise with 18 points still up for grabs. The calendar has not helped the Rossoneri because Liverpool and Bayer are two tough opponents.
“It was difficult to imagine getting two wins… If Milan play like they did in the second half in Leverkusen, they will advance, I have no doubts. From now on, however, they cannot make mistakes.”
Can the other Italian teams also make headway in the Champions League?
“I am a fan of Italian football and I hope that Serie A returns to high levels, to be the second most prestigious European championship after the Premier League.”
Speaking of Serie A, things are going better for Milan there…
“In the league the latest results have been positive and the success in the derby has increased self-esteem and confidence. I am happy for the fans who have been waiting for such joy for a long time”.
Do you think the Rossoneri should be included among the candidates for the Scudetto?
“As a fan I say yes. The team are compact and are trying to play the football that Fonseca asks for. Then it is clear that there is no lack of competition: the reigning champions Inter have strengthened, Juve are Juve and Napoli have taken Conte, a coach who gives strength and conviction to the group.”
Do you like Ibrahimovic as a director?
“He has personality and knows football because he has played and won at high levels. Having a person in the club who is not… a fan and sees things with detachment is important. I am sure he will do well.”
Among Zlatan’s many teachers there is also Adriano Galliani, whom you know well.
“I saw him at the last Champions League final and I greeted him with affection. I’m happy that he’s still in the world of football. I remember the chats with him and with President Berlusconi when I arrived at Milan. I will always be grateful to them as I will always remain tied to the Rossoneri fans.”
