There is no use denying that Stefano Pioli is under pressure to turn things around at AC Milan and reverse the negative recent run of results, with a crucial month upcoming.
Calciomercato.com write how the management were extremely satisfied with the victory against PSG in the Champions League last Tuesday, but then the collapse against Lecce on Saturday further complicated any Scudetto hopes.
Pioli is not at risk of being sacked but his position is certainly under examination to the point that in exactly 30 days we will perhaps be able to draw the definitive assessment of him.
The international break has arguably come at both a good and a bad time. It is good in the sense that there is now a break from games to re-assess some things about the team and recover mental energy (and some players), but it is also 14 days of tension after recent results and with media pressure.
The many players who will leave for their respective national teams will not be there but it will allow the coach to work with greater attention to details on the alternatives which have so far not been up to scratch.
The next five games are huge, starting with Fiorentina who arrive on Saturday 25 November, then Borussia Dortmund at home on November 28 and Frosinone at home on December 2 round off three straight matches at San Siro.
The game against Newcastle away will likely determine whether or not the Rossoneri will enter the Champions League round of 16. The game away against Atalanta could provide a Scudetto boost or put top four at great risk.
These are 30 days therefore in which Pioli’s side are playing for everything, perhaps even his future.
