Since he took over the club in the fall of 2019, Stefano Pioli’s tactics have certainly changed quite a bit. In a recent interview, the manager eloquently explained AC Milan’s tactics and how his team works.
The Rossoneri have clinched 18 out of a possible 21 points in the league thus far and it’s safe to say that it’s been a successful start. It could have gone better in the Champions League, failing to score but keeping two clean sheets in the process.
Speaking at length to Il Nuovo Calcio, as cited by our colleagues at SempreMilan.it, Pioli shared his thoughts on how a normal day at Milanello looks. He also explained his tactical approach and why he decided to use inverted full-backs.
The game is now very advanced…
“There has certainly been an evolution, it comes from the passion to enter the pitch every day, as well as from the curiosity that keeps you updated. I have been coaching first teams for twenty years.
If I think about how we worked back then… there have been changes in every aspect: the technical-tactical part, physical preparation, communication, and the relationship with the players. The players themselves are different. Now they are very prepared, they ask a lot, they expect a lot, sometimes too much, in terms of knowledge.”
A day at Milanello…
“We start with the obligatory breakfast together, one hour before we start with everyone in the locker room. Then we have individual activation according to personalized plans, with the trainers or alone. Before entering the field the boys do the aerobic part on the treadmill, and then they go out on the pitch.
“Technical warm-up? Almost never. The aspects related to the ball, as mentioned, are done before or after the session, almost always after, to be honest. However, consider that there are very few standard seven-day weeks during the season. The first three of the year, of course, but already after the first international break we have 7 games in 21 days. We did well in preparation and in this period, we started early, with an almost complete squad.”
On the inverted full-backs…
“Where did this idea come from? From the preparation of my Italian colleagues. From playing against man-marking teams, a solution that forces you to find countermoves. If you face teams that work man-to-man, you have to think about how to create difficulties for them, otherwise all they have to do is win all the 1v1s.
“The first time we did it was against Atalanta, we used Calabria and Theo to take away their wingers. It’s clear that I also take inspiration from abroad, Guardiola has often adopted this solution. The important thing for me is that the players know what they have to do.
“They are happy to do it, and they have the right characteristics. Calabria was born as a midfielder. The players must be placed within an organisation, within principles and concepts. This allows you to have a certain balance.”
Game strategies…
“For us, strategy means that we study the opponent thoroughly, we evaluate what he offers us in terms of spaces to exploit, where we can create superiorities etc. It doesn’t mean that we adapt to who we face, but that we consider them to understand how, according to our principles, we can be dangerous.
“We have to know everything, for example how they want to steal the ball from you, with how many men and so on. We have the goalkeeper who gives us an extra man. So we always rely on our principles. But there is another important aspect, learning to count. Count to understand if we are in a numerical tie, inferior or superior.
“In a tie or inferiority (numerically speaking), we cannot attack that area, we have to switch sides. This is in possession. Off the ball, you attack the players in a tie but you don’t in inferiority.
“We have attacking elements with certain characteristics, we wanted them like this for this very reason. However, each opponent, regardless of the numerical aspect, works differently. We, when preparing for the match, need to know this. For example, Torino played 1v1, but they let our goalkeeper free. Then we opened the central defenders and he advanced.
“My staff studies five matches of the opponents, I watch the most recent one. Then you know, there’s the video analyst in the stands and, during the match, I only deal with tactics. No protests, no distractions. My concentration must be total. By now, the players have been through a journey with us, they know how to recognize certain spaces and what their opponents are doing. It shouldn’t be a problem. You must have a plan A, B and also C ready.”
Game strategies again…
“How can it be summarised? Simple. If the opponent is aggressive and wants to take possession away from us immediately, he comes with many men and we have a high numerical tie, a 3v3 or a 4v4 depending on the choices. We must know how to exploit it, we can go there immediately. If they don’t accept this and let us play, we try to control the match.”
The league…
“Juve favoured because they don’t have Europe? The tournament will be very competitive, the teams that can compete for the top positions are clear. And not playing during the week helps. A lot. Taking to the pitch every three days wears you out mentally at the beginning, then during the season also physically! After the international break, there was the derby, then the preparation for the match against Newcastle, then Verona… there is a considerable expenditure of energy. In some ways, therefore, the Bianconeri are the real favourites.”
Training and rest…
“I believe that rest management is fundamental. When I can, I gladly give the lads a day off. And it’s highly appreciated, not because the guys don’t do anything, but because they recover and return to training with a different desire. I prefer one workout less. By the way, I forgot: I also cancelled the double sessions. Having an unresponsive team the next day is of little use to me.”
Milan will take on Genoa tomorrow evening (Saturday) and have had just a few days to rest from the game against Dortmund on Wednesday. And just one training session, it should be added, which is far from ideal.
Did he mention he only started playing Thiaw and Adli out of necessity not choice?
So what?
many young players get their first opportunities from injuries in front of them. Some take those and carve out a role and others don’t.
Let’s assume he did. How would that change anything?
Shows his deficiency as a manager in identifying talent and fielding the best 11.
“He’s not ready”
Hi is cowered
He always get excuse
Maldini and Massara build excellent tem
They are destroying
Shame
It’s clear that I also take inspiration from abroad, Guardiola has often adopted this solution.
self aware…now to find haaland…
as he explains positional tactics like everyone doesnt know them.
Pioli is genius,krunic is brilliant