Stefano Pioli understands the criticism Milan have received following a pair of demoralising results, but he insists the Scudetto race remains alive ahead of Saturday's trip to Lecce.
Milan have endured a frustrating week, throwing away a two-goal lead in a dramatic Serie A draw with Roma on Sunday before crashing out of the Coppa Italia against 10-man Torino three days later.
The Serie A champions are seven points adrift of leaders Napoli ahead of Saturday's clash with a Lecce side unbeaten in their last five league games, but Pioli is backing his team to recover.
"It's normal that there is a more critical eye towards us because we won the Scudetto with excellent football," Pioli said. "When that fails, the finger is pointed more, but that's what we want.
"Criticism affects us because we didn't bring home the results we were supposed to bring home.
"The season is long, the championship won't end tonight either. Let's not forget how we won the Scudetto."
Although Milan have been hamstrung by a lengthy injury list featuring the likes of Mike Maignan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Rossoneri will not look to strengthen in this month's transfer window as Pioli is content with his options.
"I remain convinced that our only problem is not having our complete squad in every department," Pioli said. "There is no need to intervene."
However, the Milan coach is hopeful of some important business being done by the club in the near future, with the Scudetto holders reportedly working on contract renewals for Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao after Ismael Bennacer penned a new long-term deal on Thursday.
"I'm delighted for Isma. It's deserved for his will and determination," Pioli added. "Isma is very ambitious, with the humility of someone who knows he still has to improve.
"I'm also very happy for the club, we are confirming a group of players that have become mature, it's important."
Asked specifically about the club's talks with Leao and Giroud, Pioli replied: "I hope more good news arrives. I hope so."
Doherty wants Tottenham to stand by 'one of the best of all time' Conte
Matt Doherty believes Tottenham must stick with Antonio Conte despite his inflammatory outburst in the wake of Spurs' 3-3 draw at Southampton.
Conte lashed out at his players, as well as Tottenham's ownership, after his team surrendered a two-goal lead in the closing stages of Saturday's trip to St Mary's Stadium.
Spurs are now expected to part ways with the former Inter, Chelsea and Juventus coach during the international break.
However, Doherty – who left Spurs to join Atletico Madrid in January – has urged the club to stand by Conte, who he labelled as "one of the best managers of all time".
In a press conference, the Republic of Ireland defender said: "I hope he stays for a long time at Tottenham.
"He's an unbelievable coach, an unbelievable manager. He won't say anything in the press that he won't say to his players, he's completely honest with his players, has the passion for the whole club.
"I hope Tottenham stick by him and hold onto him for as long as possible, he's one of the best managers of all time."
Doherty's seemingly comments contrast with those of his former team-mate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who asked his coach to "elaborate" on the comments the Italian made after the Southampton game.
Hojbjerg said: "I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.
"The coach has not been satisfied, and that is what I will take with me.
"You do what you can to please him. What I do know about myself is that I am an honest player. I am a player who always gives 100 per cent of myself for the team."
Wolves handed Nunes boost as midfielder has red card overturned
Wolves will have Matheus Nunes available for their next three matches after their appeal to the Football Association (FA) was upheld.
Nunes, an unused substitute, was sent off late on in Wolves' 4-2 home defeat to fellow strugglers Leeds United on Saturday.
The Portugal international had been remonstrating with the officials over the decision to allow Leeds' fourth goal, scored by Rodrigo, to stand despite what appeared to be a foul by Marc Roca in the build-up.
Julen Lopetegui confirmed Nunes was complaining about the linesman and that they would appeal the decision, with referee Michael Salisbury having incorrectly sent the midfielder off for violent conduct, which would have resulted in him missing games against Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Brentford.
Wolves will be without Jonny, however, after the defender was sent off for a lunge on Luke Ayling.
The defeat left Wolves in 13th place in the Premier League, one point above Leeds and just three clear of the relegation zone.
Lopetegui thought his side were hard done by, with the former Spain coach claiming Wolves should have had a penalty.
"I'm not waiting for [further apologies]. I just want them [the officials] to do their job," he said.
De Bruyne confirmed as new Belgium captain
Belgium have confirmed Kevin De Bruyne will serve as their new captain.
Manchester City star De Bruyne takes over from Eden Hazard, who announced his retirement from international football in December following Belgium's group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.
That elimination marked the end of Roberto Martinez's time in charge, and De Bruyne will be tasked with leading the side under the stewardship of new coach Domenico Tedesco.
De Bruyne has won 97 caps for Belgium, scoring 25 goals.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Inter from Chelsea, have been named as vice-captains.
Belgium will begin their campaign to qualify for Euro 2024 on Friday when they face Sweden in Stockholm. They have also been drawn alongside Austria, Azerbaijan and Estonia in Group F.
Tedesco's men face Euro 2024 hosts Germany in a friendly on March 28.
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