AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was proud of his players after their win at Newcastle.
The result saw Milan out of the Champions League, but they qualify for the Europa League.
“There are many feelings, certainly going out of the Champions League is disappointing, especially considering how we well did last season,” Pioli told Sky Italia.
“We knew this group was completely different and very difficult. It’s sad to have regrets, we deserved more and did not know how to take our opportunities in the other games, whereas tonight we did do that. We were not intimidated or demoralised by an opponent that played with incredible intensity.
“This means we will do everything we can to win the Europa League.
“I don’t think we played badly the first half, but Newcastle had this incredible intensity and highlighted our errors. They had lost at home only twice this season against Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, while we had not won in England for many years and finally it arrived.
“Today’s performance should only give us confidence going forward. My big regret is that the team is not making the most of its potential right now, in Europe and in Serie A, so that is what I must work on and try to change that.
“This squad has so much potential, we created so many chances especially in the Champions League and lacked that bit of determination and quality. With that, we would’ve been here celebrating Champions League progress.
“Clearly, we can only now try to consolidate third place in Serie A and then try to do more. Our minimum objective is to qualify for the Champions League again, that is the very least we can aim for.”
