The importance of Wednesday night’s Champions League fixture against Newcastle United cannot be glossed over. A less-than-favourable result could send the cogs into motion to begin the end of Pioli’s tenure as AC Milan’s manager.
Milan is a team needing miracles, and Pioli has to prove to be the one who can at least provide the Rossoneri with their side of the bargain in their runnings. The situations that face the club are understood, though the solution is not. How to win the Scudetto? Overcome a nine-point deficit. How to progress in the Champions League? Be victorious against the Magpies, and hope Borussia Dortmund prevails against Paris Saint-Germain.
Following the loss against Atalanta, the 58-year-old has to prove that Milan’s higher-ups should reinstall their confidence in him rather than look to other avenues in the hope of success.
Pioli, alongside Christian Pulisic, was asked questions at St James’ Park and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
What were your words to the squad on the pitch of St James’ Park?
“It was very simple, also because we had already talked a lot this morning. We have only one objective, only one possibility: to win the game. We know what awaits us, what opponent, and what environment we will face. It’s the first real crossroads of the season.”
Early conversations with Ibrahimovic?
“We spoke yesterday. I think he’s always been a top player, he’s faced all the challenges with intelligence. He will definitely be an added value and an asset for the whole club.”
Could a victory serve as a catalyst for the rest of the season?
“We talked about it, we know the importance of the game and the importance of staying in Europe. We all expect to play a great game against an opponent that is very difficult. We have to make this moment our moment.”
The situation with Sandro Tonali…
“I am very close to him, he was a very positive guy with us and very important for the team’s growth. Unfortunately, he fell into a delicate thing. We are close to him and I hope that this experience can serve him to do better in the future.
“His footballing qualities? There is no doubt. For sure Newcastle got a very good player.”
Were you aware of the situation with Tonali?
“Absolutely not. I think I have a fairly open relationship with the players, I try to talk to them about a lot of things but what they do we don’t know in full.”
Newcastle’s displeasure over the Tonali situation…
“I think the moment they bought a player like him Newcastle made a bargain, then no one could predict what happened.”
Will Leao be ready to start?
“He’s fine, he’s in condition to play from the start.”
Is this your biggest game as Milan’s coach yet?
“Very important yes. We’ve already played many of them at a high level but as far as this season is concerned it’s certainly the most important.”
