AC Milan boss says Chelsea clash not 'the most difficult match' ahead of Champions League tie

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has stated that their clash against Chelsea will not be the toughest, comparing it with a match against Empoli.

The Blues were drawn against AC Milan, Dinamo Zagreb and FC Salzburg in Group E of the UEFA Champions League but are yet to face the Italian side.

After a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the first match of their European campaign, Chelsea decided to part companies with head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Graham Potter swiftly replaced the German and oversaw a 1-1 draw against FC Salzburg in his first match in charge.

Potter was appointed Chelsea head coach earlier this month (Image: Alamy)

These results leave the Blues bottom of the group, with AC Milan sitting on top with four points.

Chelsea's next clash in the group comes against the Serie A side, facing them at Stamford Bridge before the second match at the San Siro.

AC Milan's head coach, Pioli, has now made an honest admission ahead of the match against Chelsea, taking a dig at the Blues.

As quoted by Football Italia, he said: "I don’t think there’s that much difference between playing well in Italy and in Europe.

"The Champions League does require a higher tempo, but nothing impossible.

"I understand there are expectations around the Chelsea games, but I maintain the most difficult match for us will certainly be against Empoli.

"When we go into that fixture, I’ll have welcomed the players back from international duty only two days earlier.

“I trust that if we play at our usual levels, then results against Chelsea are certainly within our reach.”

Chelsea face Crystal Palace ahead of their European games, with Potter yet to make his Premier League debut in the dugout for the Blues.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter gives instructions to Jorginho. (Alamy)

The head coach will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in Europe this season, with Chelsea having won the Champions League back in 2021.

There is a mountain to climb for the Blues, sitting rock bottom of the group two matches in.

Good results against AC Milan will hope turn their fortunes around.

It remains to be seen as to whether the Italians will underestimate Potter's side ahead of the clash.