Sandro Tonali says ‘we have to think one game at a time, and focus on the next game, as a great team does’ after drawing Lille 1-1 away from home.
Tonali was given the start once again last night in the Europa League against Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy and had a mixed-bag of a performance: the Italian played a key part in the goal, but also lost some balls and was inaccurate during the match.
“The action on the goal? Playing vertical passes is what the Coach [Pioli] wants from me, as well as Bonera, and it’s something I have to do as soon as I have the space, therefore it’s the first thing to be done and if it’s not possible, to play at a lower tempo, and it’s something we work on in training,” Tonali said to MilanTV after the game.
“The help of my teammates? We have really strong players and they are proving it this season, but they proved it last season as well. They always give their all in every training session, in every practice match. Every player, in every position, is always ready to help his teammate who might be a bit behind in match fitness or with the game [the coach wants].
“Bonera? He has talked to us a lot and has helped us a lot from the dugout, as we have seen this evening. He wanted us to play a great game and to put the result of the reverse fixture behind us and we wanted to do so for 80 minutes, but after conceding the goal we struggled a bit, but we reacted well and controlled the game.
“The calendar? We always focus on one game at a time, it’s always difficult, especially when you’re top of the table and are doing well in Europe. We have to think one game at a time, and focus on the next game, as a great team does.”
Speaking to Sky, Sandro added: “We deservedly took the lead, we didn’t dominate but we held the ball well, so we are sorry for the results. The absence of Zlatan? Ibra helps with his qualities and plays. Playing with a Champion like him is always easier but today we showed that we can play as a great team also without him.”
He played above average, he is not suited for a 2 man midfield.
I kinda feel bad for Tonali because as someone mentioned he is probably better as an AM rather than a DM.
Maybe Pioli will show some courage and play Tonali further up the pitch especially since calhanoglu looks destined to leave for Man United.
He could be a reverse Pirlo.
Remember when Ancelotti converted Pirlo from AM to DM. Perhaps we can do the reverse: DM to AM
I agree with that or play 433 with Bennacer-Tonali-Kessie.