Massimiliano Allegri admitted that his AC Milan side should learn how to stop “soft goals” after he fell against a shock of opening day against Cremonese.
Cremonese came from behind in Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to seal a famous 2-1 victory against the Serie A Giants, with the astonishing strike by Federico Bonazzoli the difference.
The header of Strahinja Pavlovic in the first half of the stopping time of Federico Baschirotto canceled, but Milan was unable to build on their equalizer after the break.
Milan ended the match with an expected goals (XG) a total of 1.66 of their 24 shots, of which only six were on goal, compared to their opponents 0.3 of their four attempts.
In the result, the Rossoneri lost a home game on the opening day of a Serie A season for the first time since 2012, when Allegri was at the helm in his first Stint in the club.
Milan has also lost their last three top matches of the flight against newly promoted teams, all under Allegri, who fell to Sampdoria and Hellas Verona a year later in 2012.
However, the Italian boss was quickly to point out fingers to his defense, although he remained convinced that he could quickly turn their back line.
“If we look at the implementation, we had eight shots on goal, but the difference is made by the determination with which you attack and defend,” Allegri told Dazn Italia.
“We have admitted two avoidable goals that we could have prevented with a little more concentration. Fortunately it is only the first round and we have time to work on these details.
“But we all have to prepare ourselves in a certain way, because we cannot continue to admit such soft goals.”
Allegri mentioned two new faces in the starting line-up of Milan, with pervis Estupinan, who helped Pavlovic's Equalizer, and Luka Modric both made their series a arched.
Ardon Jashari was introduced in the action in the 74th minute, while Samuele Ricci was an unused replacement in Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Koni De Winter and Zachary Athkame are two other remarkable arrivals for Milan, although they both also viewed from the bank.
“I don't think it was a problem of a player who was missing or not,” Allegri added whether he needed more signing sessions before the transfer window closes.
“When you play in the Serie A, you will meet tough opponents such as Cremonese, who completely deserved the victory by playing a smart defensive game, and we have made two mistakes.
“It's not about the team, it's about having a little more determination, both on and from the ball.”
After a disappointing campaign last season in which Milan was out of place, the pressure on Allegri is to deliver immediately.
“Regardless of what happened last season, we must convert the negatives into positive points,” he concluded.
“Lecce is a good team for next week and always difficult. We must be willing to play rough games.
“If we just want to play nicely, we run the risk of drawing or losing someone, as we did tonight.”