Rabiot happy after first goal and Torino comeback but admits Milan ‘need to start better’

Adrien Rabiot has admitted his delight after scoring his first AC Milan goal, but insisted the team have to do better at the start of games.

Milan suffered a nightmare start against Torino, going two goals down within 17 minutes through a Nikola Vlasic penalty and a strike from Duvan Zapata. However, Adrien Rabiot’s rocket from 25 yards – his first goal for the club – quickly halved the deficit and gave the Rossoneri a foothold.

Then, it was over to Christian Pulisic for yet more heroics, this time while battling flu. He levelled the game about 30 seconds after coming on in the second half, then ten minutes later bagged again to complete the comeback and secure three points that send Milan back top of the table.

Rabiot’s reaction

After the final whistle, Rabiot spoke to Sky and DAZN alongside team-mate and match-winner Pulisic to share his thoughts after a brilliant comeback win. His comments were relayed by MilanNews.

Is that a win that means a lot?

“We started the game poorly. We played very well in the second half, but at half-time we told ourselves we had to be more aggressive. You could see the change in pace right away.

“Pulisic’s introduction did us good. These games show that we have the right mentality, but it also shows that we need to start better. You can’t always win 3-2 after going 2-0 down. But I’m happy with the team today.”

You got your first goal, and it was a brilliant strike…

“We needed this. Every now and then you need a play that changes the game, and that was it. Then we all played well. There were mistakes, too, but the important thing is the mentality.

“We have to continue like this, all of us, even those who came on. Then we’ll see where we end up, but we’re confident.”

What happened in the first 30 minutes?

“We were sluggish at the start. We need to work on that because we can’t always be down 2-0 and turn it around like that. We’ll watch the videos and work on that. The rest was good, because we need to see the positives too. Let’s take these three points and move on.”

The goal finally arrived…

“It’s not the most important. However, it gave something to the team. We changed. A nice goal for sure, but one that also helps brings us the three points.”