Antonio Conte’s long-term deputy Cristian Stellini has spoken about the idea of him taking over from Stefano Pioli as the head coach of AC Milan.
Amid a sea of rumours, denials and results on the field the one thing that seems certain is that the future of the Milan bench is currently unknown, because there is too little concrete information today and too much still to play for this season.
It therefore remains to be understood whether the Rossoneria and Pioli will go hand in hand into 2024-25 and therefore past the five-year mark, or whether the time will come for a parting once the current season is done.
Conte is one of the names that has been repeatedly linked as a potential successor to Pioli, and now his historic deputy Cristian Stellini has spoken to Cusano Italia TV about his future.
The pair have been apart for months now after their time together at Spurs, but Stellini made it clear that Conte is ready for the right role to jump back in.
“It depends on the project that will be proposed to him. That’s what he’s waiting for. To find a project that stimulates him as has happened in the past,” he said (via Radio Rossonera).
“Then which team he chooses is all or nothing, we are talking about a very high level coach. Any team can be suitable but the difference will be made by the project that will eventually be proposed to him.
“These decisions are 100% up to the coach, I don’t allow myself to go any further. I can only say that there is a desire to return. We are talking about a great coach, his secret is a bit linked to his figure.
“He truly spends 110% and the environments in which he has worked are carried away by his ability to make people understand how important work is.”
What about Milan?
“A good team that plays good football. This year they’ve had bad luck with injuries and I think that’s a bit of what’s holding Milan back. When they had almost all the players at their disposal they certainly had more than when they lost too many.
“The Scudetto? I don’t think it’s a feat to be cancelled. Milan must continue to demonstrate that they play good football as they have done in the past and as they will continue to do so.
“They are a team that has enough ideas and talent to achieve good results. You should never stop in front of a table: if you stop dreaming then dreams don’t come true, so it’s important that you continue.”
