Palladino reveals how he ‘sensed’ Milan’s drop-off: “With Modric on the pitch”
Bologna head coach Raffaele Palladino has revealed that he expected AC Milan to drop off during the second half of last night’s game.
Milan trailed early to a goal from Samuel Mbangula, but they went into half-time 2-1 up thanks to Alphadjo Cisse’s brace. The second half was a disaster though as an own-goal and two more from Mbangula allowed Bologna to inflict a first league defeat of the season on the Rossoneri.
After the match, Ruben Amorim admitted that he could see the fatigue setting into his team, given all of the injuries and the subsequent inability to rotate properly. It seems as though this is something that opponents are starting to target.
Palladino spoke to both Sky and to reporters at a press conference following the conclusion of last night’s game and he made some interesting revelations, which were relayed by MilanNews.
Bologna played a great game. How proud are you?
“It’s always nice to win here, not just for me, but especially for the lads who played a great game in every way. They attacked and defended, we played a solid game. The players who come on also make the difference; for me, those who come on should always make the difference.
“They brought great energy to the team. Milan were coming off three games in six days, we knew they could drop off in the second half, so I brought in fresh energy. I believe in the whole group.”
We were surprised when you took off Bernardeschi, who was doing well. Can you explain this change?
“In the first half, he sacrificed a lot, he spent a lot. In the second half, we could have improved technically and put Federico in a position to play further forward.
“Milan’s pressure was strong and pushed us back in the first half. I took off Bernardeschi because I had someone like Cambiaghi on the bench.
“I sensed that Milan, with Modric on the pitch, would have given us more control because they were pressing us less, so I changed the left flank. That’s how I read the game. Whoever comes on wants to make the difference.”
There’s a strong bond between you and the team. Do you feel a bit undervalued?
“I only focus on working. At Monza I had two great managers in Berlusconi and Galliani, in Florence it was a wonderful year because I won the cup competitions, we finished sixth.
“Last year I took over Atalanta when they were struggling and brought them back to Europe. I decided to come to Bologna, which really wanted me, I’m happy to be here. I found a great club and a great team.
“Winning tonight was wonderful, but we didn’t achieve anything. If we don’t win next time, it’ll be as if we didn’t achieve anything tonight. We have to keep going like this, there’s a lot to do.”
