Gazidis backs ‘first choice’ Pioli and insists there was never any pre-agreement with Rangnick

By Oliver Fisher -

CEO Ivan Gazidis has given a full explanation regarding the recent chaos surrounding AC Milan and their decision to keep head coach Stefano Pioli.

It has been a whirlwind of a last 24 hours for the Rossoneri, with the club’s future having seemingly taken a complete 180 degree turn from the direction it looked to be heading.

For months now it has been reported that Ralf Rangnick is the man that Milan had chosen to lead a new era starting this summer, but while the Rossoneri were playing the first half of their 2-1 win over Sassuolo on Tuesday night, reports to the contrary started to emerge.

Kicker and Bild in Germany broke the news that Rangnick’s proposed move to Milan was off and that instead Pioli would sign a new deal and remain at the club, and sure enough this was confirmed after the game leaving a lot of supporters confused.

Gazidis spoke to news agency ANSA about the renewal of Pioli, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.

“As we have said many times, Stefano Pioli has always been a candidate for the future, to implement our vision of a competitive and modern Milan,” he said.

“Of course, as CEO of the Club, I have a duty to evaluate all the possible options for the good of Milan, but I have an excellent relationship with Stefano and I have always considered him an extraordinary professional, a true leader, and therefore an absolute candidate to coach Milan.

“I have had contacts with other possible candidates in the past, but I think there has been too much media speculation, since we have never signed any agreement or pre-agreement with any other coach besides Stefano Pioli. I deny there are economic commitments for the club.

“Again, no agreement has ever been signed with other possible candidates. Pioli is my first choice as a coach, and I’m happy we made sure of his skills for the project ahead. Now we have to focus on ending this season positively, in order to prepare for the next season in the best possible way, with the little time we have available.”

Tags AC Milan Ivan Gazidis Ralf Rangnick Stefano Pioli
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