Stefano Pioli insists he has ‘not met with the club’ to discuss his Milan future yet, but admits criticism and speculation on his replacement is ‘part of the job.’
The Rossoneri were without a win in six and played in an eerie silence as the fan protest expanded, but eventually got supporters on their feet with a 5-1 victory over Cagliari at San Siro.
It included an Ismael Bennacer strike, Christian Pulisic brace, Tijjani Reijnders rocket and Rafael Leao running from his own half to walk it into the empty net.
“It is very important, because we were not accustomed to going this long without a victory. Clearly, after Europa League elimination and defeat in the derby, we had a delicate moment and suffered in that situation,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“Being able to win tonight and improve our position in the table is important. It wasn’t the greatest performance, but the lads showed sacrifice and focus to get out of this moment.”
However, it was only 1-0 at the break amid jeers, changing gear once Rafael Leao and Noah Okafor came on at half-time, though one was forced on Pioli with Samuel Chukwueze injured.
“You journalists, but also players, read everything as personal. It’s not the case. I had to change something, it has been a long and tough season, so some are feeling less sharp than others. An exclusion for one game does not change my opinion on a player and they reacted the way I expected, ready to step up and prove themselves when called upon.”
This victory means that Milan are mathematically guaranteed second place and will play in the 2024-25 edition of the Supercoppa Italiana, which is now expanded to the runners-up of the Scudetto and Coppa Italia trophies as well as the winners.
Is it fair to say that the new signings this season were not as disappointing as the old guard?
“I do not agree. No team managed to maintain the incredible level of performance and results that Inter did. This is a squad that gave its all, but couldn’t maintain the same consistency as Inter and therefore could not stay close enough to keep it open during those decisive moments of the campaign. We also lost confidence, but Inter were a level ahead of everyone, not just us.”
Pioli defends rapport with Milan
Did Pioli ever feel as if he was left isolated or unsupported by the club?
“No, honestly no. I got along very well with Paolo Maldini, Ricky Massara and Zvone Boban, who of course took me to Milan, but also with the current directors like Moncada, Furlani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has changed role.
“We are a big club, there are big expectations, so ferocious criticism is to be expected, just as ebullient praise is expected when you win. That is part of the job, you have to accept it all or you do a different profession.
“I try to help the team to overcome difficult moments and play as well as possible, sometimes it worked, sometimes I got things wrong.”
The most damaging part of the season for Milan fans was the Europa League quarter-final exit to Roma, followed swiftly by handing the Scudetto to rivals Inter.
“We have players who have an incredible potential, sometimes they manage to express that on the field, sometimes they do not. It’s true that individual talents help you to overcome difficult moments, but we always approached matches as a team,” insisted Pioli.
“Our performances against Roma were perfectly normal, but we needed more at that level and to show more belief. It was an important moment of the season, but I also feel like we threw away the Champions League by putting in good performances without managing to make our chances count. We were wasteful in both European competitions.”
The fan protest could well continue, but will it be suspended so that Milan supporters can thank Pioli for all he has done over these years when it is his final game at San Siro?
“I am really sad about this situation, as we were so proud to create that symbiosis with the fans, which passed on positivity, energy and confidence. I hope for the future of Milan that things can be resolved, and I’m sure it will be,” added the coach.
“As for whether it will be my last game, I have not yet talked to the club. We have another two rounds to go, the season is not over yet. I hope everyone around Milan can rediscover that harmony, enthusiasm and energy that helped us to achieve things that perhaps nobody believed was possible.”
The favourite to replace Pioli is Sergio Conceicao, so the Sky Sport Italia presenters joked that was why Rafael Leao was on the bench tonight.
All the players wore their maternal surnames on the jersey this evening in honour of Mother’s Day and so Leao was wearing Conceicao 10.
“I didn’t know that was the name! This too is part of the job,” laughed Pioli.
“I repeat, I have not met with the club, I don’t know if we’ll do it before the end of the season. We’ll see.”
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