Arrigo Sacchi believes that it is wrong to entirely place blame on Stefano Pioli for the current struggles that AC Milan are enduring in terms of results.
Milan lost 3-2 to Atalanta on Saturday evening in Bergamo to fall nine points behind league leaders Inter and seven behind Juventus in second, with many believing that any hopes of a Scudetto push are now over.
The Rossoneri have been left licking their wounds while a tough trip to Newcastle United awaits in midweek. Only a win will see Milan stay in Europe, though it may not be enough to book a spot in the Champions League knockout stages because they also need Borussia Dortmund to beat PSG.
Sacchi spoke during his usual weekly interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport and he assessed the current moment for the top sides in Italy, including his former club Milan.
The most complicated undertaking, that of Milan who are obliged to win at Newcastle and they know it might not be enough…
“As long as they start winning, then we’ll see. Of course, Borussia Dortmund will have to beat PSG and it won’t be easy, but the most complicated thing seems to me to be Milan winning. I have the confidence, but I don’t want to fool myself.
“Too many times this season, the Rossoneri have not been up to par. I don’t know who is to blame for such inconsistent performance, certainly we can’t place all the blame on Pioli. I know, however, that when you only buy foreigners the settling-in process will be long and tiring.”
Leao will return as starter…
“Good, but the important thing is that Milan returns. Have I made myself clear?”