AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has explained the club’s decision to extend Stefano Pioli’s contract as head coach by claiming they are backing him as a person as well as a coach.
There had been a lot of speculation over the last few weeks suggesting that Pioli was all set to be rewarded with a new deal given his excellent work after taking over early on in the 2019-20 season, and earlier today it all became official. It is somewhat fitting that it comes after his first ever Champions League win and before a game against Sassuolo, the opponent Milan faced after the last time he extended.
The club confirmed Pioli’s renewal live on Milan TV and Maldini was interviewed by the channel shortly after he put pen to paper, with MilanNews relaying his comments which we have translated below.
“There is the thrill of continuing a path that is bringing us great results. We don’t want a team that wins for just one year, but for a long time. We want to bring Milan back to being competitive,” he said.
A lot has been made about the mutual trust and great empathy between Pioli and the rest of the management, with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) reporting this morning that there is maximum co-operation between Pioli and the leadership, who believe he could have a long-term stay on the Milan bench like Ferguson or Wenger.
“It is fundamental. We do not renew only with Pioli the coach, but also with the person. There is great harmony between us, there may be problems, but we will know how to overcome them,” Maldini said.
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