AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud scored two goals against Napoli, the reigning champions, but he was upset that the Rossoneri let an opportunity to win three points slip away from them.
Olivier Giroud’s grovelling apology to AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli followed his irrational outburst upon being replaced against Napoli.
With two goals in the first half, the former frontman for Chelsea and Arsenal had given his team the lead against the defending Serie A champions. His first came from Christian Pulisic’s cross, which he glanced over.
Just a few minutes later, Giroud repeated the feat from Davide Calabria’s center to give his team a two-goal lead at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
However, Napoli hit back after the break through Matteo Politano before a stunning Giacomo Raspadori free-kick.
Giroud’s late substitution incited outrage because he would not stay on the bench. Since then, he has expressed regret for his outburst to his manager Pioli.
He stated, as cited by Sky Sport Italia: “I am not a robot; I am just human.” I was disappointed because I thought I could help my teammates and that I wanted to continue because I still had energy.
“I apologized to the coach and naturally calmed down after five minutes. His decisions are respected, and my only concern is what’s best for the team. We ought to have won this game, so I was upset.
Speaking further about the match, he was left lamenting his team’s inability to secure the victory. The 37-year-old continued, “On a personal level, I am happy for the two goals and grateful for the two great crosses from my teammates.”
But I am not happy with the outcome. We created so many opportunities and had the chance to win the game, but we couldn’t end the match.
“We created so many opportunities against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund, but we were not clinical enough,” he said in closing. We could have had four or five goals for today.
“Napoli responded to our outstanding first half.
We knew it would be tougher after the break and their confidence was revitalised by their first goal, but we still could’ve done better.
The game’s turning point came from that goal, and the energy in the stadium encouraged them as well. I’m upset and annoyed, especially since I watched Inter win before our game. Hopefully, these two missed opportunities won’t come back to bite us in the rear.
After ten games and three points behind current leaders Inter, Milan is now third in the Serie A standings following the draw. In the race for the final Champions League spot, Napoli is four points behind.
Giroud will want to build on his recent success before facing Udinese the following weekend. In his nine league games this season, he has six goals and three assists.
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