Di Francesco concedes Milan-Lecce ‘wasn’t a contest’ and discusses ‘pressure’ on Camarda

Eusebio Di Francesco has admitted that his Lecce side were never really in the contest against AC Milan, especially after the red card.

It has been one-way traffic before the crucial moment came, but when Siebert was sent off after a VAR review for the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity, the feeling was that the outcome had been decided after less than half an hour.

Milan still had to make use of their advantage though, and they did exactly that. Indeed, the Rossoneri won by three goals to nil, had 77% possession, 4.33 Expected Goals, nine big chances, 24 total shots, 10 shots on target and 12 corners.

Too much pressure on Camarda?

Di Francesco spoke to Mediaset and in a post-match press conference following the game at San Siro to offer his thoughts on a difficult night for his side, with MilanNews transcribing his words.

Was it a harsh scoreline?

“A fair result. Let’s be honest and say it wasn’t a contest. We didn’t even start well. After 20 minutes, I struggle to judge the team’s overall performance… I like to see a more combative team, even though we were up against a team that was in a great moment.

“I have to say that Milan had a great impact on the game, so we have no excuses beyond the sending off. Milan have come up with some important tactical ideas; they’re strong, they have dynamic players, they attack deep, they have dangerous players in midfield and on the wings.

“Milan are difficult to face, but we could have done better. We had prepared better, but Milan deserved it, and we have to lick our wounds. I want to see something different on Sunday.”

Maurizio Lagana + Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

What did you see from Camarda?

“He really put in the work today, but unfortunately he was left a bit alone. They were too quick to interrupt our play. They were pushing us down too much with their width, their dribbling, and their skill.

“I kept him in until the end because I was thinking about other things, given that the result was in jeopardy at that point.

“I think you’re putting a bit too much pressure on him. I have to protect him; we all put too many expectations on him. It’s normal for you to talk about it.

“I always tell him he has to enjoy himself, and he often feels the weight of his mistakes: he has to get over them as quickly as possible. He has to build up his physical strength. Let him grow. I’m happy to have him on the team.”