AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi has out down his side’s recent troubles to injuries and lack of focus resulted in more dropped more points at the San Siro against a spirited Empoli who came from behind to clinch a deserved point.
Milan finished the game with nine men after goalkeeper Diego Lopez was sent off for handling outside the area before Gabriel Paletta suffered a hamstring injuries with the home side having used up all their substitutions. Defender Alex had to be taken off at the very beginning and the duo add to an ever growing injury list which is very worrying for Inzaghi.
He was angry that Milan allowed Massimo Maccarone to equalise after January signing Mattia Destro had given them the lead, but was determined to do well going forward.
Inzaghi has endured a rough past couple of months that has seen them pick up only five points in seven league games since the Christmas break while also getting knocked out of the Coppa Italia.
“It is a difficult period for Milan, we have many injuries,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We are also very unlucky; losing Alex a few minutes in with a broken nose is exceptionally unlucky.”
“It was a balanced game and we were good value for our lead. My biggest regret is the goal we conceded. Empoli are a great team, you see the work Maurizio Sarri has done with them.”
“We are growing. I read criticism that I change the starting XI a lot, but I cannot play injured players. At this time we have to work on our mentality, my players need to find some belief.”
“Today we have to take this point, but obviously we need to do more and think about the next game. We needed that second goal. We paid dearly for being absent-minded when Maccarone scored. It hurts to concede a goal like that.
“We have to roll up our sleeves and turn the boos at San Siro into cheers. We have great quality up front and we must try to exploit it. We are Milan, we want to control the game and stay in the opposition half.”
a At this moment we need to work on their heads, as the players need to find confidence again. I understand the fans, because theya ve been through tough times, but considering we ended the match with nine men Ia d say the point was acceptable.
a The fans are like me, they always want more. We just have to roll our sleeves up and transform those jeers into applause.”
a The supporters had been accustomed to very different results, but this situation has been going on for a few years now. It takes time.
a Wea ve been working on this tactical system for two weeks and it will certainly improve.a
a We must look to improve our performances but it is difficult to be consistent as I cana t pick the same team every week as I hardly ever have the same players available.a