Many of Stefano Pioli’s requests during the January mercato went unanswered. However, there are suggestions that this could have been a tactical move, with the 58-year-old’s AC Milan future lying in the balance.
Whilst Milan added Filippo Terracciano and Matteo Gabbia to their ranks, there were persistent and public requests for other reinforcements throughout January from Pioli, and questions have to be asked about why there was a reluctance to spend in the winter mercato.
MilanNews write that this was done in line with the transfer strategy that is utilised by the Rossoneri. There is more willingness to invest in the summer, as opposed to investing in January, partially due to the inflated pricing or due to the need to create a strong team during the summer months.
With that in mind, given Pioli has been with the Diavolo for five years, he should be familiar with this strategy, and the fact he has so publicly stated his need for reinforcements, only for them to be refused, suggests that while Milan may be sticking to their strategy, they also want to maximise the finances available for next season’s coach – whether that is Pioli, maybe even Antonio Conte or Jurgen Klopp, is still yet to be seen.
