Pavlovic Defends Milan Progress Despite Bournemouth Setback: ‘We’re on the Right Track’

FolioPitch.com – 23 October 2026 | Strahinja Pavlovic insists Milan are on the right track even if too many mistakes were made during their heavy pre-season defeat to Bournemouth, and the Serbian defender has urged his teammates to quickly reset ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. The Rossoneri were beaten convincingly by the Premier League side, conceding three goals in a performance that raised questions about the depth and discipline of Milan’s defensive unit.

Pavlovic started in a back four alongside Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter and Pervis Estupinan, a combination that was supposed to demonstrate the club’s defensive depth. Instead, the quartet struggled to contain Bournemouth’s attack, and the evening was further complicated by a red card for goalkeeper Mike Maignan. De Winter was at fault for the first goal, while Pavlovic himself acknowledged a positioning error on the third, jumping away from the wall as a free-kick found the net.

Speaking to Sky Italia after the match, Pavlovic was candid about the team’s shortcomings. “I think the start of the match didn’t go well,” he said. “We made too many mistakes in the first half and… well, there’s not much to say. Conceding two penalties and finding ourselves with a man down makes everything very difficult. Now we have to forget this match and be ready for the next one.”

Despite the disappointing result, Pavlovic insists Milan are on the right track even if too many mistakes were made, stressing that the squad’s focus must remain on the bigger picture. “We will play more than fifty or sixty games this year, and this is just one,” he added. “Sure, it hurts, but now we have to reset and focus exclusively on the next one, because other key matches await us in the coming days.”

The defender also revealed what Maignan told the team after his dismissal. “He just told us to stay calm and that’s it. These things can happen, it’s part of the game,” Pavlovic explained. The goalkeeper’s red card forced Milan to play a man down for a significant portion of the match, which inevitably altered the tactical approach and made the task of containing Bournemouth even more challenging.

On the third goal, Pavlovic was unequivocal in his self-criticism. “Yes, well, there’s not much to say. It’s ugly to see. At the time I thought the shot was a little higher, but looking at it again now, it’s clear that it was a wall positioning error,” he admitted. The mistake capped a difficult night for the defense, but the Serbian international refused to dwell on individual errors, instead emphasizing the need for collective improvement.

When asked whether the defeat could affect his immediate future at the club, Pavlovic remained composed. “I have said it before. We will play more than fifty or sixty games this year, and this is just one,” he reiterated. “We are on the right track, and yes, we absolutely must forget about tonight.” His comments reinforce the message that Pavlovic insists Milan are on the right track even if too many mistakes were made, a sentiment that the coaching staff will hope resonates throughout the squad.

The defeat to Bournemouth serves as a stark reminder of the areas Milan must address before the competitive season begins. While pre-season results are rarely definitive, the nature of the loss—particularly the defensive lapses and disciplinary issues—will give the management plenty to ponder. The Rossoneri are expected to welcome back several key players in the coming weeks, which should bolster the team’s options at the back and in midfield.

Milan’s upcoming schedule includes a series of important matches that will test their depth and resilience. With the season fast approaching, the focus will be on tightening the defense and reducing the individual errors that proved costly against Bournemouth. Pavlovic’s willingness to take responsibility for his mistake is a positive sign, but the team as a whole must demonstrate greater concentration and cohesion if they are to compete on multiple fronts.

In conclusion, while the loss to Bournemouth was a setback, Pavlovic insists Milan are on the right track even if too many mistakes were made. The defender’s honest assessment and forward-looking attitude reflect a determination to learn from the experience and move on. For Milan, the challenge now is to turn those words into actions on the pitch, starting with their next fixture.