Shortly before the kick-off of AC Milan vs. Torino, Paolo Maldini spoke to the media about the difficult situation that the Rossoneri find themselves in. Despite the poor form, though, he confirmed that Stefano Pioli isn’t at risk.
Milan are winless in their last seven games and desperately need to claim the three points this evening against Torino. Next week, the Rossoneri will face Tottenham in the UCL round of 16 and could thus use the confidence boost a win would give them.
Speaking to DAZN, as cited by MilanNews, Maldini confirmed that Pioli isn’t at risk despite the poor form. He also touched on Calabria’s recent words, as the captain criticised recent rumours about him as well as other ones coming from the Milan fans.
On Calabria’s words…
“Davide was referring to unpleasant things that emerged on social media. We have to take social media with pros and cons and try to respect others. Every match is an opportunity, it’s useless to hide the fact that January didn’t start in the best way. We won the first and dominated the second, then the rest of the matches were below expectations.”
Is Pioli under scrutiny?
“No, we are all under discussion because we are judged every 3 days. He is not at risk. The change of form is to find solidity. Up until Salernitana we were in line with last year’s points and the only thing that changed was Napoli, and then we qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League.”
On the weeks at Milanello…
“The weeks were varied, the work was done well, the research is to go back to doing what was done before, but if the mental aspect doesn’t come, the rest doesn’t either. We have a young team… I tell you that with the best team in the world, we have had worse moments.”
On Leao…
“When we signed him he was a second striker on the left. He has great speed qualities and I must say that he is unstoppable on the wing. What Pioli is asking for is also cover, but he was dominant. Returning to a more central position will not disturb him, he has developed an ability to score goals.
“What he lacks is attacking the space when not in possession. We are also missing the signature, we are at the same point as before. Now we have to think about the matches. There is no meeting on the cards, but with Zoom, you can see each other at any time.”
On Maignan…
“There is a plan for a return to the team in the next ten days. Then it will take time: a goalkeeper who hasn’t played for so long must regain his distance. Having had two relapses, he must be careful. We also went through one possibility of surgery but it was avoided and in ten days he should be available.”
As said, Milan will face Tottenham next week and getting back to winning ways tonight would be huge for Pioli’s men. It could spark a positive run of form, even if it won’t be easy.
“…go back to doing what was done before, but if the mental aspect doesn’t come, the rest doesn’t either. We have a young team… I tell you that with the best team in the world, we have had worse moments”
Thank you Mr Maldini. Been saying this for some time now. It’s psychophysical. You can change formations all you want it won’t matter. Even personnel
povračam kad vidim Piolija , Salemakersa , Kruniča , Brahima ,Kjera a bogami i sve ostale ! Piši propalo bez igre, ideje, volje , zalaganja i bez muda !!!! Forca Torino barem igraju i trude se !!
To be fair Maldini who has been a good player and Pioli who won the cup by luck are Milan problems.
1. Pioli costs us scudeto and 4th place at risk but Malidini is ready to keep him.
2. With smart management and better coach you can do something, look at Marseille that is beating PSG with mediocre players and smart additions of Ounahi and Malinowsky while Milan is inquiring about Naby Keita, keeping Baka,
“Maldini who has been a good player”. You must have been born after 2009. Anyway, you can’t just wish a player away. Bakayoko isn’t going to leave if he doesn’t want to. He’s had offers and the club isn’t standing in his way. Clearly he would prefer to sit on the bench, collect his salary and enjoy the lifestyle the city of Milan has to offer.
To be fair Maldini who has been a good player and Pioli who won the cup by luck are Milan problems.
1. Pioli costs us scudeto and 4th place at risk but Malidini is ready to keep him.
2. With smart management and better coach you can do something, look at Marseille that is beating PSG with mediocre players and smart additions of Ounahi and Malinowsky while Milan is inquiring about Naby Keita, keeping Baka,
Let us wait and see
Salemakers , B.Dias , Gabija , Mesijas , Bakajoko , Krunić , BaloTure , Dest , TOTALNO SMEČE ! našlo bi se tu i još toga ali mi ovi prvi padaju napamet