AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has played down the challenge posed by Chelsea while saying his side’s upcoming Serie A outing against Empoli will be the toughest test. The Rossoneri and the Blues are due to meet in a Champions League doubleheader after the international break and Graham Potter’s side are desperate for points.
Chelsea’s Champions League campaign is off to a bad start. An away loss to Dinamo Zagreb preceded the surprise dismissal of Thomas Tuchel and Potter’s first game at the helm – a 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg – was no fairy tale either.
The Blues are therefore last in Group E with Milan in the lead after a draw and a victory. In two of the most tantalizing clashes in this year’s Champions League group stage, Chelsea host the Italian giants on October 5 before a trip to the San Siro the following week.
Pioli is broadly unfazed by the challenge, saying victory is within reach for his side and a trip to Empoli’s bottom half could cause them more problems.
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“We know we have to win and be competitive,” Potter said earlier this month. “We are at the start of a process together as staff and players. I can only comment on the response we have had and I am looking forward to working and making this team competitive and of which the supporters are proud.
“They’re smart, top-level players who work hard for each other. They’re disappointed because the results haven’t gone as well as they’d like and it shows. But that’s my job. to get the results we all want.”