(Reuters) – AC Milan’s manager, Stefano Pioli, emphasized the need for his team to step up their game as they progress into the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Following their 3-1 victory over 10-man Slavia Prague on Thursday, Milan secured a comfortable 7-3 aggregate win in the last-16 tie with first-half goals from Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Rafael Leao.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Friday, and Milan could potentially face tough opponents such as unbeaten Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool, and Benfica. Other strong contenders include AS Roma, Atalanta, West Ham United, and Olympique de Marseille.
Pioli acknowledged the increase in competition going forward, stating, “The level of opposition will go up now, although Rennes and Slavia Prague are decent teams even if they are not the biggest names. Now the level will be higher so we have to raise the bar. There are many things we can improve on, less distractions and there are other situations to analyse in order to improve.”
He also expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, noting, “Whoever we draw will be a top side but none of them are unbeatable.” Milan will need to focus on enhancing their performance in preparation for facing stronger opponents in the upcoming rounds of the competition.
Their victory over Slavia Prague showcased Milan’s potential, but Pioli is aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the quarter-finals. The team will need to address areas of improvement and work on minimizing distractions to ensure they can compete at a higher level against formidable opposition.
As they await the draw for the next stage of the Europa League, Milan will need to analyze their previous performances and make necessary adjustments to face top-tier teams. Pioli’s emphasis on raising the bar indicates a determination to push his players to excel as they progress in the tournament.
The upcoming matches in the quarter-finals will test Milan’s abilities against some of Europe’s strongest teams. With potential matchups against elite clubs, the Serie A side must elevate their level of play and showcase their skills on the European stage.
Despite the challenges that await them, Pioli remains optimistic about Milan’s chances, believing that with proper preparation and focus, they can compete effectively against any opponent. The team’s performance in the quarter-finals will be crucial in determining their success in the Europa League.
With the quarter-finals set to feature tough competition, including reputable clubs like Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atalanta, Milan will need to bring their A-game to advance further in the tournament. Pioli’s words serve as a reminder to his players of the significance of raising their level of play in order to achieve success on the European stage.
As Milan prepares to face stronger opposition in the Europa League quarter-finals, they are focused on improving their performance and addressing any weaknesses. With a tough road ahead, the Serie A side must rise to the challenge and demonstrate their capabilities against some of Europe’s top teams.
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Nick Macfie)
