Daniele Bonera was happy with how his players looked in the 1-1 away at Lille, stating ‘we put in a good performance’.
Bonera was once again on the bench of Milan as Stefano Pioli and Giacomo Murelli are still positive for Coronavirus.
The former Milan defender watched from the sidelines as the Rossoneri played a 1-1 draw against Lille on Matchday 4 of the Europa League group stage.
The Diavolo scored first last night with Sandro Tonali’s through-ball finding Ante Rebić who made a good run before assisting Samu Castillejo for an easy goal. However, Lille equalized in the 65′ minute through Jonathan Bamba. The game ended in a draw, with both sides happy as they were both bad.
“We are a bit disappointed with the result, but very pleased with our performance because we managed to control the game, but a moment of carelessness cost us the win. The boys, though, put in a good performance,” Bonera told MilanTV at the end of the match.
“Tonali? Sandro did well, he played a good game, he struggled to find the right position in the first part of the match, but in time he improved and even gave that great ball to Ante. We are pleased with him, it’s part of a growth process, but he’s a good guy, smart and hard-working, thus we are happy with him.
“Castillejo? We are all happy with Samu, in both phases, with his contribution to the defensive phase. His goal is the cherry on top of the cake, we are all happy.
“Kjær? Simon is a great guy, has great dedication and the same goes for Gabbia. We’re really happy because he plays well whenever he is given the chance so yes, we are really happy with this evening’s center-back duo.
“The Europa League? Every game is difficult in the Europa League, this is a tough group, this evening we faced a strong team – something we had seen at San Siro, but despite the result we are pleased with our performance.”
Speaking to Sky Italia, Bonera said: “We put in a very good performance, it’s a pity we got distracted in that situation on their goal, because the team had controlled the game. It was a completely different Milan to the home match. We’re pleased with the team spirit, the way everyone is working together, the only disappointment tonight was the result.
“Tonali? It’s part of the growth process, we have faith in the guy and he was decisive today. He’s a serious and intelligent guy and we’re very pleased with him. Bennacer? He is giving a lot, he has grown a lot. I would not dwell on individuals, this team needs everyone, we are confident and we look to the future.
“The low average age of the squad? We’re pleased that the young lads are coming through, as at times you need a little of that wild young spirit. It’s a young Milan with some experienced figures like Kjær, who is giving a huge hand. We are happy to have such a young team.
“The absence of Zlatan? Naturally, Ibrahimović is a very important player, but the team has made up for his absence. The team spirit will always be the same, with or without Ibra.
“The next matches in the Europa League? We have to win the next games and we think we can do it by playing like we did tonight.
“Maradona’s death? We heard the news as soon as we landed in France, I join in the condolences. I offer condolences to the family. We are all united, he was a great Champion.”
Milan should switch to 433 for next match with trio Bennacer-Tonali-Kessie in the middle. Upfront : Diaz-Rebic-Hauge.
That makes sense especially given Calhanoglu poor form.
agree
A very nice suggestion, but I think it won’t be that easy.
For 433 you need either a CF or one winger who can become a pivot point.. Currently we don’t have such players (aside of Ibra)..
This is the reason why it hardly worked with Gattuso (and Montella). Penetration through the center was really hard, especially when the opponent team are defensive.
I understand your point.
Since the trio Bennacer-Tonali-Kessie is the strongest option in midfield at the moment, I think it’s better to keep it that way. For upfront may be : Diaz-Colombo-Rebic. Colombo is rather strong in physicality and we can hope Rebic exploit from the left.
Calhanoglu might leave and that might present Milan with an opportunity to play Tonali alongside Kessie and Bennacer. I don’t think Milan should worry about replacing Calhanoglu if he leaves for Man United because we have Rebic, Leao, Diaz Hauge, Krunic and possibly Thauvin who are good wingers. So a 433 might be a possibility next season. Calhanoglu is the main reason why Milan cannot play 433 as he is definitely not a winger and he can only play as an AM. But with Calhanoglu gone Milan will have a stronger midfield and stronger wingers to play 433. Our current… Read more »
I disagree. Milan doesn’t have the creativity to play a 433. Kessie, tonali and bennacer don’t have the creative brain to control the mid. You need more quickness and the ability to dribble past your opponent. You also have to be able to press collectively, and as y’all have seen, we haven’t been pressing lately. If hakan goes we def need to get dominik since Madrid is being stingy with Diaz. We can’t have both hakan and Diaz leave with no replacement. That would be the very definition of stupid management