Thorstvedt believes Sassuolo ‘deserved more’ vs. Milan as goal ruled out ‘wasn’t a foul’
Kristian Thorstvedt believes Sassuolo deserved even more than a draw from their game against AC Milan on Sunday night.
Adrien Rabiot’s third goal of the season broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, but five minutes later Sassuolo got themselves level as Milan failed to deal with a corner allowing the substitute Odenthal to bundle in from close range.
The points were ultimately shared after a match in which the Rossoneri had the better of the chances but were unable to take most of them and were also unable to manage their lead when they did score. Milan remain unbeaten with 12 points, but are four off the top and have drawn three.
Thorstvedt was present in the press conference room at the Mapei Stadium to offer his thoughts on the match, with MilanNews transcribing what he had to say.
How much is a draw worth?
“It’s always important against a strong team. But we deserved more. We played very well, we just need that final touch. I missed two chances, and I need to score on at least one, even if the referee blew his whistle too early.”
We often see you getting into the box. Does the coach ask you to do that?
“It’s important to put players inside the box. We play with a fluid style, which means that often the attackers drop back and the others have to make runs inside the box. Against Monza, for example, we lacked this aspect in the final quarter of the match. We need to improve even more in this area.”
Is it possible to maintain this level of focus all the time?
“Of course, we have to. It’s so important. We showed today, but also against Juventus, that we have the right mentality. A little less so against Monza, but every game we have to have that mentality of working for everyone, for the team. That’s how you win games.”
How important is being part of the Norway national team?
“It helps me a lot. Going there with players who have the highest quality. I look at the players who play in the Premier League, like Odegaard, who is my idol, and every time I go to the national team I try to learn something from him. So it’s important to me and I really enjoy it.”
What happened in the penalty area when the disallowed goal occurred?
“I don’t know. After the match, I watched the replay, and I think the referee blew his whistle too early, because the ball didn’t even reach the spot where it should have been. Normally, they wait a bit and then decide. It’s a shame, because in my opinion, it wasn’t a foul.”
