Just like Hercules in ancient Greek mythology, AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is reportedly facing 12 labours if he wants to keep his job.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport notes on Sunday (via MilanLive), Milan will have to show will and maturity once the doors to Milanello reopen and the season resumes, but for Pioli the objective of reaching the Europe League is not the only one.
The desire of the club is that the coach can enhance a group that in recent years has devalued a lot, a team of more or less young players who must be motivated, brought to give their best on the field.
Pioli will have to enter the heads of the most troubled players, those who may have something else in mind like Gianluigi Donnarumma , who looks to his future with uncertainty, between a renewal with Milan and possible departure. The coach will have to reassure Gigio and make him 100% concentrated on the resumption of the championship.
The same goes for Ante Rebic , a footballer who has blossomed with Pioli, but who must be kept under control given the discontinuity already felt in the past.
Pioli will then also be asked to bring the best out of forward Rafael Leao, the club’s most expensive summer signing who has struggled for form and game time. A revival of Lucas Paquetà will also be needed, to try and increase his value after a torrid few months.
Another challenge is to get the Coppa Italia final. Juve and Milan drew 1-1 at San Siro meaning a half miracle will be needed without the disqualified Theo Hernandez, Castillejo and Ibrahimovic.
All this is valid for two reasons: to re-evaluate a Milan that needs trust and credibility, but above all for Pioli to keep his job.
