After the game between AC Milan and Sassuolo, in which the former prevailed 1-0, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on the performance. He also commented on the recent exit rumours.
The manager has been under heavy scrutiny since the 2-2 draw against Salernitana last week, with newspapers speculating about potential replacements. Thanks to tonight’s win, though, he will most likely remain as the head coach of Milan.
Speaking to Sky Italia, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli shared his thoughts on the performance as well as the recent rumours regarding his future.
On the win…
“We won well, we could have scored a few more goals and we could have done better, we need to find that continuity in the 95 minutes to find a higher standard. The boys were very good and very careful. The group is cohesive, compact, has never given in to difficulties and wants to overcome them.”
On the Milan group…
“I believe the main skill of a coach is to understand his team, a few years ago I was a torment for them, between videos and tactics, now I leave them very free because I trust them, the sense of responsibility and belonging, respect towards the club and the coach. I’m not saying that I don’t do anything anymore, but that I withdraw a bit and let them manage certain moments.”
On his relationship with the club…
“In a very banal and simple way, as long as I’m here it’s because the club has faith in my ideas and my work. I’ve never had any different sensations, then I understand everything because I’m no longer a kid. Milan, if we don’t win… I understand that my position could also be at risk, but this never crossed my mind, I never thought that this could be the last match. We will have to concentrate on doing better in 2024 than in 2023.”
On Bennacer’s position…
“Bennacer is further forward because he feels very comfortable there, he and Pulisic could have been a good pair like Loftus and Leao on the left. At the start, we forced a few balls but only precision was missing to hurt Sassuolo. Luckily, then there was Isma’s assist which allowed Pulisic to score the decisive goal.”
On the whistles to Leao…
“I believe they were whistles of affection and esteem knowing the qualities of the player, a certain level is always expected. He is certainly not yet in the best condition after the injury, he also knows that he can and must improve.”
Do we quickly go from idols to targets?
“I’m fine, because I work with a fantastic group and I’ve always had the trust of the club. If we remove Gasperini and Allegri, there aren’t many situations in which one remains at a high level in a club for many years. Then, however, we talk about results, we had a great journey up to the Scudetto, from there we can’t go back.
“But there are other realities, like Liverpool, who struggled last year. We have changed a lot but I’m the first to say that we can do more. I’m not depressed or belittled, it’s part of the game. It seems strange to me then that you compliment me and then I hear about criticism, where does it come from? I believe the team can do well and make the season positive.”
Milan will Cagliari in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday next week, then an away clash against Empoli awaits at the weekend. Two wins are needed from these games to build on tonight’s win, which indeed was crucial for the Rossoneri and Pioli.
