AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani defended their formation for the 1-1 draw with Champions League opponents Barcelona.
Milan did not play with a striker at the San Siro.
"We have done our best work against the big clubs with a centre-forward and someone behind him," said Galliani.
"When we saw 10 men behind the ball, we realised this was the right way you have to play when facing Barcelona.
"I like this Milan, where the 4-3-3 still means everyone working very hard for the team. Perhaps against Barcelona everyone concentrates that bit more than in other matches. We know it shouldn't be like that, but players inevitably raise their game in these situations."
