Reijnders: “Milan’s defense is unacceptable, it can’t happen”

Tijjani Reijnders admits the way Milan have been giving away goals lately is “unacceptable” and that they need to do better against Empoli tonight. “This can’t happen.”

It starts at 5pm GMT in San Siro.

The Rossoneri, remarkably, have a worse defensive record than their relegation opponents ahead of tonight’s game: they have conceded 14 goals in 12 games, while Empoli have conceded 11 goals in 13 games.

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan controls the ball while under pressure from Idjessi Metsoko of SK Slovan Bratislava during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between SK Slovan Bratislava and AC Milan at Narodny Futbalovy Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

“Empoli is a team that wants to play man for man, so we have to be very dynamic, move them to different places, be good on the ball and it’s an important game for us,” Reijnders told DAZN.

The Dutchman is tasked with sitting in front of the defense and protecting the midfield as well as moving forward, but insists defense is a team matter.

“We all have to take responsibility because the way we are conceding goals is unacceptable and every single one of us has to stand up,” Reijnders added.

“That can’t happen when we are in Milan and we have to show that today.”

The Diavolo have only managed to keep a clean sheet five times in 18 competitive games this season, none of them in the Champions League.