It’s a Shame: Stefano Pioli delivers brutally honest verdict on Newcastle after they hold AC Milan in Champions League as his job seen hanging on a life wire

Stefano Pioli is emphatic about who deserved to win the Champions League match between AC Milan and Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

The Magpies held Milan to a 0-0 draw in the Champions League opener, securing a point inside the San Siro on a memorable night for Eddie Howe’s team.

They had to dig deep and fight for the point, and Nick Pope had to make some spectacular saves to keep the game close.

There were times in the first half when it seemed as if AC Milan might score. They put us under a lot of strain at times, but Newcastle stayed strong.

Newcastle has made an excellent start to the group stage. They have visited

They went to the stadium of one of Europe’s best teams and came away with a point and a clean sheet.
Stefano Pioli believes AC Milan were ‘superior’ than Newcastle ‘in every way.’

After the game, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli spoke to Sky Italia and said that his team was superior to Newcastle in every way.

“I’m very pleased with the performance,” he remarked.
“Our opponent was formidable, but we outperformed them in every way, being more intense and qualitative.” It’s a shame since getting the group off to a good start was critical. We have the talent; we just need greater determination.

“We commanded and played the game broadly, but we failed to capitalize on some relatively simple opportunities.”

“We deserved to win, and tonight we can go out with our heads held high, knowing we can improve further.”
AC Milan did not provide enough.
To be fair to Pioli, he is entitled to be disappointed. His team had numerous chances to win the game but were unable to capitalize on them.

Newcastle clung on at times during their first Champions League game in 20 years, but they were definitely the superior team.

But was Milan superior in every way? That appears to be severe. We were better defensively because we had to defend more. And Nick Pope surpassed both goalkeepers, owing to the fact that he had to make more saves.

Milan has every reason to be disappointed. On the balance of play, they deserved to win.

However, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities, which is why Newcastle has a point in the Champions League.