AC Milan are entering a decisive period of the season, where plans have to be concocted for the upcoming season whilst remaining focused on the current season. With Stefano Pioli’s future still up in the air, both have to go hand in hand for a decision to be made.
Ultimately, this season, targets have not been reached, and there is now a huge decision to make for the Milan board regarding Pioli’s future. There is, of course, the chance that the Rossoneri go deep in the Europa League, which could change the fortunes of the 58-year-old, but the signs have pointed towards a separation for some time now.
Whichever way the situation is looked at, there is a need for direction. Regardless of the failure to compete for the Scudetto in this season and the last, Pioli has once again got the Diavolo into the Champions League consistently, but this needs to be built from now to the point where the squad becomes Scudetto competitors.
Sky journalist Peppe Di Stefano has offered his thoughts on the matter and what Milan need next from Pioli or someone else – his words have been relayed by Radio Rossonera.
“Pioli? They will decide in April or May. In my opinion, the season is too open. You can’t choose today to keep Pioli, because if things go wrong you have to change,” he said.
“But for me, you can’t even say today 100% that they will change the coach. If Pioli goes on a run like he did in the post-lockdown year, with 9 wins and 3 draws, or perhaps he makes a run in the Europa League, then what do you do?
“You don’t just need a huge, first-rate name. You also need a coach who meets the direction of the club. I’m not so sure that if Guardiola had been at Milan last year he would have accepted Tonali’s transfer so willingly…”
