When a manager wins a title, it is often referred to as their title. So, when AC Milan won their 19th Scudetto, it was referred to as Stefano Pioli’s team.
It goes past titles, with teams normally just referred to by their managers. When you think of the early 2010s Barcelona, is that Lionel Messi’s team or Pep Guardiola’s? When you think of this Milan team, is it Mike Maignan’s or Rafael Leao’s? Perhaps, but it is Massimiliano Allegri’s, most commonly anyway.
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Pioli removes spotlight
Whilst the Scudetto team had several stars in it, and several key components, most remember it as the Pioli team, and the coach was even asked about this after the game. However, he was quick to refute this claim, as MilanNews relays.
Journalist: “You arrived at Milan and, at first, the results weren’t good, also due to some very peculiar episodes and matches. Then there was the moment of the mental switch that gave birth to Pioli’s Milan…”
Pioli: “No, it wasn’t Pioli’s Milan. But the Milan of Maldini, Massara, Ibrahimovic, Theo, Leao…”
It is not a criticism of himself, but another reflection of him as a character. Someone who believes the praise of success should be shared with all involved, and from that year, several players can be put forward.
Well well well
It can also indicative that Milan wasnt his : it is a team thats assembled by sporting director. Pioli had little in choosing the players – he was a coach, in a sporting sense, and not a manager…
From what I recall Pioli actually said in an SempreMilan interview after his departure that he had been taken in on advice with M&M in regard of transfers so I think its to some extent just him downplaying himself while showcasing the others as being instrumental to the scudetto. Actually a class act towards his former collaborators as he obviously also had a great part in the success we had.
“Pioli: “No, it wasn’t Pioli’s Milan. But the Milan of Maldini, Massara, Ibrahimovic, Theo, Leao…””
Oh no, he got 4 out of 5 names to not be named haha 😅🤣🤣🤣