Stefano Pioli has pledged to bring ‘ideas, intensity and bravery’ after being named the new head coach of AC Milan.
The Rossoneri confirmed on Tuesday that Marco Giampaolo had been sacked as head coach after just 111 days in charge – the shortest reign of any manager in the club’s history.
After reports earlier in the week that Luciano Spalletti was all set to take charge, it then emerged that Pioli had become the new target due to the former having difficulties resolving his contract with Inter.
Everything was agreed and Pioli arrived at Casa Milan this morning to sign the contract, and the club confirmed his appointment via a statement on their official website.
The former Lazio, Inter and Fiorentina boss is believed to have signed a two-year deal with Milan – which includes a couple of interesting clauses.
Pioli was officially presented in front of the media on Wednesday afternoon, and he revealed he is itching to get started.
“I am very enthusiastic. Milan is a great club, among the most prestigious in the world,” he told reporters.
” With passion and conviction to work well because it’s a great squad with great qualities and with this management that showed confidence in me.
Fans did not take the news well, and it has been so badly received that #PioliOut has even reached the number one trend in Italy on Twitter.
“I have respect for the fans and they have the right to criticize, but for me it is a further stimulus,” Pioli continued.
“There will be work both on the heads of the players and on the arrangement in the field, they will be ten important days and I will try to take advantage of any moment.”
As mentioned, Giampaolo was fired after a short spell in charge, but Pioli was asked if there is any work that he can continue.
“It is difficult to say. Giampaolo is a good coach, but he is different from me.
“I will have to be good at getting my ideas to the team as soon as possible. Let’s start with a good level, there are valuable guys, Marco has worked well and this is important. I would like to play a style that the boys have the pleasure of playing.”
On the three principles he wishes to instil: “Ideas, intensity and bravery.”
On being an Inter fan: “I am not on social media, everyone is free to say what they think, even if I prefer the people who do it looking in my eyes.
“The past is past, I was a kid, now I am an adult, a professional who has a great desire to do well.”
READ MORE: An own-goal for Milan – They appoint Pioli and also lose the fans
