The future of Stefano Pioli was one of the contentious issues that led to Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara being sacked from their roles, a journalist has claimed.
The Milan world has been rocked by the news that Maldini and Massara were relieved of their duties less than 24 hours after the final game of the 2022-23 season, with just the official announcement missing.
There seems to be a general feeling of shock about the decision, but if you follow our Substack then it would be less of a surprise given we reported last week that there some fundamental differences had arisen between Cardinale and Maldini.
According to the journalist Nicolò Schira, the relationship between Maldini, Massara and Pioli was no longer as idyllic as it might seemed from outside, as his tweet reveals.
“Among the reasons for the disagreement between the Maldini & Massara and duo Gerry Cardinale was the position of Stefano Pioli. In recent months the two executives were unhappy with the coach and were ready to question him, while RedBird deemed him untouchable,” he said.
It is certainly an interesting twist if Schira’s version of events are true, given that Maldini brought Pioli to the club, publicly backed him many times and fought his corner when Ralf Rangnick seemed set to arrive.
“and fought his corner when Ralf Rangnick seemed set to arrive.”
Rangnick wanted total control over all sporting matters. If Rangnick had arrived, Maldini would have been (effectively) out of a job himself.
So, what did Rangnick achieve in ManU?
Maldini does’t need to work to earn a living, he had/still had his own business both in Ameica and Italy, JFYI.
Makes sense that Maldini would have doubts about Pioli. His comment after the Inter game seems to suggest he was frustrated with Pioli’s lack of ideas.
Aside from that, he can’t possibly be happy with the amount of playing time of some of the players he brought.
Pioli’s comments about needing other players is also a clue about their relationship.
Doesn’t makes sense.
Maldini maybe a bit unhappy with some results. But in no way he wants Pioli to leave when he himself convinced Pioli to signed a new contract.
That was before the season. Then we all saw the lackluster performances against bottom table clubs. Also, see A’s comment above, which I agree with. Also, why would Redbird deem him untouchable now?
Pioli is a great manager ,,.we need to believe and trust him …We will ,despite what is going on ,challenge for honours next season .AC Milan forever