Stefano Pioli has defended centre-back Alessio Romagnoli amid the recent criticism that he has received from sections of the media and Milan’s fan base.
Romagnoli joined the Rossoneri in the summer of 2015, having signed from Roma for €25million. Even though he has been a pillar of the Milan rearguard for six seasons now, and the club captain for three, but he is not in good form.
The player has been heavily criticised by fans and by the media for his display against the Nerazzurri in which he looked to be suffering from a lack of confidence, allowing Lautaro and Romelu Lukaku to have a field day.
Pioli spoke at his pre-match press conference on the eve of the game, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
He was asked by a reporter: “Could Romagnoli have a psychological backlash given the many criticisms of him?”
Pioli responded: “We won as a team and we lost as a team. I don’t like finding a culprit when you lose. He’s the captain and he has done a lot to make this team grow, even helping the young players. We have to stay together. Some defeats can make us grow.”
