AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has looked back on the ‘beautiful year’ that the team of had as the Rossoneri became champions of Italy for a 19th time.
Going into the game against Sassuolo yesterday Milan knew that a point would have been enough to win the league, but they were 3-0 up at half-time thanks to a Giroud brace and a goal from Kessie to put the issue beyond doubt, with Leao getting a hat-trick of assists.
Pioli spoke to Milan TV at the end of the game against Sassuolo, with his comments relayed by MilanNews and translated below.
What is the question that you said you would like to receive but did not receive from reporters?
“How did I manage to remain calm despite your questions (laughs). Just a joke. I have always given respect and received respect. In our environment, criticisms and compliments are exaggerated, I try to be as balanced as possible. It was a beautiful year, I’m happy. We all deserved this victory, there is great happiness and it is right to celebrate.”
On dancing with the fans and the ‘Piolis on fire’ song…
“I’ve wanted to dance with the fans all year, temperamentally I’m not so balanced, I’m much more emotional: I couldn’t wait to do it with them. Receive this affection before being able to win one of the best sensations I have had in the world of football.”
Did you believe in winning the title?
“Whenever I spoke to the team, I felt attention and conviction. The two games of the turning point were the derby won and the victory with Lazio. At Milanello we have always believed in it, it has always been our strength.”
What advice can you give?
“To have a lot of passion, to never stop evolving and to believe in their work and in their players. Then be lucky enough to have managers like the ones I have, who know football, know how to support the coach and know how to have different opinions to grow together.”
What did you take from the season?
“My only thought is to believe I am a good coach for my players, then what are the other comments do not interest me. I’ve never felt like a loser. Winning a Scudetto and entering the history of Milan and being compared with the legends of the past can only make me happy. From 4 July I will return to make my players feel the trust I have in them.”