Stefano Pioli praised his Milan players’ increasing maturity in the absence of injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
For dealing without injured talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan head coach Stefano Pioli lauded the “maturity” of his players.
Milan secured the victory without talisman Ibrahimovic, who is nursing a hamstring injury but hopes to return soon.
Thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and Samu Castillejo, the Rossoneri tightened their hold on the top spot in Serie A with a gritty 2-1 win at Sampdoria on Sunday.
“I continue to be surprised by the maturity of these players,” Pioli told Sky Italia.
“Even though it was probably the youngest side we’ve had all year. They never let themselves get downhearted by bad results or go overboard with good ones, they really impressed me.”
“We all know how much Zlatan has helped us to improve and everyone wants him back as soon as possible, but every player contributed here.”
“I told the lads we are a real team. This is a group that makes the most of every situation, even the most negative, to prove what they can really do.”
“It’s the first time we were missing Ibra, Simon Kjaer and Ismael Bennacer, who are leaders of the side, but they used this opportunity to prove they could keep the team going.”
“It means we have the enthusiasm and the energy to face down every challenge.”
