Reijnders in dreamland after first UCL goals but admits Milan needed wake-up call | OneFootball

AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has admitted that the team lacked intensity in the first half against Club Brugge, but rectified it with a better display from there.

In truth Reijnders rather bailed Milan out with a quick-fire brace in the second half of the game, slotting home cut-backs from the two substitutes Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze who had both done well to get to the byline on their respective flanks.

Prior to that the Rossoneri had led through Christian Pulisic’s Olimpico goal from a corner, but Brugge equalised despite the fact that Raphael Onyedika had seen a straight red card in the first half for going with studs into Reijnders ankle.

Reijnders spoke to Sky straight after the full-time whistle to give his thoughts on what was at times an evening that looked like slipping into a perilous situation but ended up being very positive for him personally, with MilanNews relaying his comments.

How do you feel?

“I’m dreaming. I was waiting for these first goals in the Champions League, I was waiting for one and two arrived, even better. In the first half we weren’t up to par, we played a bit too slow, then when they went down to ten men we found more space. But we really woke up after their equaliser.”

What was missing from Milan?

“In the first half we lacked intensity, the new arrivals brought the energy we were missing, with two very important assists.”

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What happened for you to concede a man up?

“It’s difficult to say, we’ll definitely have to watch and analyse the match. It’s not possible to concede a goal while playing with a numerical advantage, it can’t happen again.”

What is your favoured position?

“For me it’s a bit the same, today I played a bit more forward and above all I looked for more space in front of goal. In general I like to play a bit deeper so I’m more involved in the game.”

How do you see Leao?

“There are many leaders in this group. We need everyone and everyone must be a leader in their own way. Everyone must give their contribution and tonight the guys who came on during the game made a difference.”