AC Milan manager reacts to ‘difficult’ draw against ‘strong’ Tottenham

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has said that his side will face two difficult matches against Tottenham, describing the North Londoners as a ‘strong’ team to come up against at this stage of the competition.

Milan were arguably the second most difficult opponent Spurs could have been drawn against in the round of 16 stage of the Champions League after Paris Saint-Germain.

The Rossoneri have made an impressive start to the season, currently sitting in second place in the Serie A table, with 29 points from their first 13 matches.

Spurs will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home since they topped their Champions League group, and according to Ledley King, that could prove to be a ‘vital’ advantage for Antonio Conte’s men (BT Sport).

Pioli is certainly under no illusions about the difficulty of the task his side face in the next round of the Champions League.

When asked about facing Spurs, he told Tuttomercatoweb: “Difficult matches, against a strong opponent. (Tottenham are) coached by a great coach who knows us well. 

“In the second round, it is unthinkable to find easy opponents. But we prepare for it best (we can). They will be a stimulating opponent. We will play it with our qualities, with confidence.”

Pioli also pointed out that Tottenham’s coaching staff and some of their players would know their opponents well.

When asked about going up against Conte, the 57-year-old said: “He is a great coach, who has won so much everywhere. He gives a clear identity and a great mentality to his team.

“Tottenham is very compact and tidy with very strong individualities, like Kane, Son, Kulusevski, Perisic, with many who know Milan and Italian football. On paper, I think it can be a balanced challenge”.

Spurs Web Opinion

It will not be too wise to be making predictions about this game, given that a lot can change regarding the form and momentum of both sides before February.  However, given the firepower we have upfront, one would expect us to put a few goals past Milan in the second leg.

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