Milan qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) for the first time since the 2013/14 season. They finished second behind Chelsea in Group E, as they prepare to take on North London giants Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16.
Stefano Pioli believes seven-time champions Milan are rightful contenders for the UCL title, having last won it in the 2006/07 season – 15 years ago. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews), the ex-Fiorentina manager shed light the Rossoneri’s UCL dream.
“The Champions League has always been Milan’s home, it is impossible here not to feel its charm. And it is normal being the coach of this club to have the ambition to return to being protagonists in Europe. We can think of taking another step only if we all together raise the level of performance, quality and attention.”
Pioli believes with a little bit of luck, Milan can go a long way in the UCL.
“Champions League is part of our path. For years Milan has not played it, then we regained it, we put ourselves to the test and went out to the groups. We want to return to compete with the great ones in Europe for the final victory. In the Champions League even an episode can make a difference, as is sometimes a matter of luck. In Serie A it is different, continuity is needed and whoever deserves the most wins.”
The Rossoneri will face Spurs in San Siro on February 14 for the UCL last 16 first leg, before traveling to London for the second leg on March 8.
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