Pioli explains selection choices and comments on Curva Sud protest: 'It is sad'

Stefano Pioli has explained his rather bold selection decisions for AC Milan’s game against Cagliari tonight at San Siro by suggesting some players are simply not in great shape physically.

The rumours of the last 24 hours were confirmed as the official eleven was announced this evening, with Pioli benching the likes of Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao, as he suggested he would do in his pre-match press conference.

It seems as though the boss wants to send a jolt to the squad after a difficult month. First the Rossoneri were knocked out against Roma in the Europa League and then they lost the derby against Inter. The 3-3 draw against Genoa was far a positive result too, so a response is needed.

Pioli spoke to Sky a few moments before kick-off and he admitted that some of the excluded players would rather be starting. His comments were relayed by MilanNews.

How do you explain your selection choices?

“There’s a bit of everything. We haven’t won in six games, those who have played the most have given a lot and are not in the best moment, those who have played the least are physically and mentally freer. It’s all there, those are the reasons to have energy. We approached the last match badly, we need to approach better, have more energy.”

How did the excluded players react to this choice?

“I think they would have been happier playing from the start but will be ready to come on if needed.”

What do you feel like saying to the fans, who are protesting again?

“What we have created in recent years has been something fantastic and it is sad to see these situations. All together we have been much stronger, we have all been part of an important component and we have always put this energy on the pitch. We will try to do well , because coming second or third makes a big difference.”

The Supercoppa can be secured tonight…

“Right now the goal is to win again, it’s been too long since we won.”