Stefano Pioli answered some questions during the TV show ‘Che tempo che fa’ on Rai this evening. Of course, after such a fantastic season that culminated with the Scudetto win, the manager was in a good mood.
Few believed that Milan would go on to win the Scudetto this past season, mainly because they have a very young squad compared to the rivals. The Rossoneri proved everyone wrong, though, and it was a well-earned win in the end.
Present on the TV show (via SempreMilan.it), Pioli was asked about what it’s like to work with such a young squad. He also discussed the future of Rafael Leao, who’s on the radar of many big teams, and the recovery of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
On the Scudetto party…
“The Milan fans were so enthusiastic about this Scudetto that they gave us an incredible emotion”.
On Ancelotti…
“He’s a legend. His ability to get inside the players’ heads is incredible.”
On the most difficult moment…
“The defeat in the Coppa Italia derby was the most difficult moment. Winning them all after a 3-0 defeat was by no means easy. We succeeded, certainly this showed that we are a great team.”
On the young team…
“The club has shown great programming. Players have continually questioned themselves during training. The cub’s policy has given important results and I believe that we must continue on this path.”
On Ibrahimovic…
“He is better. He was looking forward to this operation, he suffered for so many months. Zlatan helped us to grow, he gave us that mentality and that conviction that he then managed to convey to all his teammates. Will he be there next year? He is the smartest and nicest person I know in football. I hope and hope he stays. He has had surgery in order to continue playing. I hope he stays because he still has so much to give.”
On Leao…
“From what I know, he will remain at Milan. He is a great player. I hope to work with him for many more years. He still has great room for growth.”
On a Milan without Maldini…
“To obtain such an important result, all the components must give their all. In a season, there may be different opinions, but we have always faced every discussion to grow and improve. It will be the same this time because there is still a lot of work to do.”
On working with young people…
“It’s great because they keep you younger, it’s not easy because it’s another generation compared to us. It’s nice. They are very lucky guys, but then everyone has their own weaknesses and fears and it’s nice to help them to make them a little more complete men.”
Milan will resume training on July 2nd but until then, many of the players will have a well-deserved vacation. Those called up for international duty will begin training at a later date, in order to get some rest.
Ibrahimovic must stay. As a player or as member of the coaching staff doesn’t matter, we need the influence and winning mentality he provides.
Still he is the best finisher by far in the squad, and as long as he agree to a pay cut, it would be very important to retain him.
What big hint?
We should plan ahead for a season without Leao.
Real seems to be really close and we dont have a say if RM activates Leao’s release clause.
Hence, Lang is a perfect transfer. If Leao leaves, we will have Lang to cover our LW.
Next season will be true test of tactics for Pioli specially when the individual brilliance of Leao wont be there to win us games anymore. I for one, despite popular opinion, know for a fact that Pioli has zero tactical prowess when attacking. In defensive phase Pioli has done a phenomenal job.
We are very solid defensively and we are mentally strong, that’s absolutely correct… but..
Most of the matches we won, we did because of the sheer individual brilliances of our players. We still have NO idea how to attack if Leao doesn’t do it. That’s F’ed up.
We are gonna get rekt in UCL if these pathetic attacking tactics of Pioli keeps in the work. He needs to work extensively on creating attacking options that includes something more than Leao’s skills.
Forza Milan.
I don’t believe with those fake reports about Real Madrid’s interest in signing or even talk about Leao. Because
Madrid knows what Milan are preparing for their future so they’ll never ever try to test Milan on this type of transfer saga. Then Madrid has already have Vinicious for that position, so do anyone think Leao could leave his starting eleven position and go to Mari d just to warm the bench for waiting vinicious who’s also a future star in making at madrid?? Please my fellow Milan I st I think twice