Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised AC Milan and the project that they have undergone under Stefano Pioli in the last few seasons.
Milan are approaching a crucial few weeks when it comes to laying the foundations for the post-Pioli era, or rather re-building around the foundations that already exist thanks in large part thanks to the previous head coach.
A total of 240 games, 132 wins, a Scudetto win and a Champions League semi-final run suggest what comes next will be tough to follow, although Paulo Fonseca seems to be the man that those in charge believe can.
Pioli put Milan back on the map in the European scene too it seems, given he has drawn previous praise from a number of coaches and now more has arrived.
Arteta spoke to Sky during the European Globe Soccer Awards and the Arsenal coach was asked for his thoughts about Serie A as a league, with his comments relayed by Radio Rossonera.
“I really like Serie A for its high-level and highly experienced coaches. What Inter have done in recent seasons is extraordinary,” he said.
“I really liked Milan’s project, with many talented young players and with Pioli who made the club take a big step forward.
“I also like young coaches like Thiago Motta, I’ve known him since we were 15 because we both played for La Masia. I liked his Bologna, also for how they played.”
Sometimes a young team without balance can be your undoing. You need the experience to guide and show leadership in difficult times. Ibra did it well, not so sure who will show up next season with both Gi and Kjaer leaving…
Yep. Two of the biggest leaders already gone and imagine the team if Florenzi & MM16 were to leave. The team would be led by Leao. That will get us a lot of trophies, eh?
You also forgot to mention that we may sell the vice captain and are looking for a replacement for the captain. This definitely won’t affect us… It won’t, will it?
Of course it won’t. According to the algorithms.
Did the “leaders” in this team carry us through difficult spells this season? Through more derby defeats?
I would argue after Ibra left we never replaced a true leader in the team. Oli and Kjaer had experience, but I don’t know how much leadership they imposed in the locker room.
First and foremost leadership needs to come from the top down. Strong Sporting Director > Solid Coach > Captain. Unfortunately neither position is clear at Milan currently.