Pioli admits Milan tenure ends ‘at the right time’ and discusses best memories

Stefano Pioli was thanked by the AC Milan players and fans following the 3-3 draw against Salernitana last night. The manager expressed his pride when speaking to the media after the ceremony, though admitting that his tenure ends at the right time. 

Milan announced the departure on Friday and a ceremony was thus planned for after the Salernitana game, not just for Pioli but also Olivier Giroud and Simon Kjaer. Despite the result, it ended up being a beautiful evening at San Siro with many hugs and tears.

Speaking to Sky Italia (via MilanNews), following his speech to the fans on the pitch, Pioli reflected on his four-and-a-half-year tenure with the Rossoneri. He also admitted that it was the right time to part ways, having raised the level at the club.

On the emotions experienced…

“They were two beautiful days because in these five years, I have been very emotional. I gave everything but I also received a lot. I received demonstrations on a personal level from all those who worked with me. Strong emotions that are nice to experience. A journey that has given us so much ends, and I think it ends at the right time. I have gratitude towards the club, the players, the fans. It’s difficult to even dream about.”

On the criticism in recent months…

“I believe it’s normal. We raised the bar, we won the Scudetto with the youngest team ever and the Milan fans went back to dreaming and being ambitious. Unfortunately, we were no longer able to win and this has created some discontent. I only hope that everything can be channelled in the right direction again.

“I told the boys today that they are special, because in moments when everything seemed negative, a normal group would probably turn the other way. Instead, they reached out and we came out of it. One of the best satisfactions I’ve had on this journey.”

Is a cycle over?

“Yes. I believe that we gave everything, the players gave everything. The path is what you saw. What we found and what we left is completely different and this is the most important thing. I was excited and I believe that it’s right, honestly.”

More on the experience with the Rossoneri…

“I gave everything but I received everything: from my players, from the environment, from the fans. I’m proud of this experience, only positive things will remain. I leave this journey certainly serene and also improved as a coach and as a person.”

The player who gave you the most satisfaction…

“I started with a group of boys who needed to be supported and stimulated. Only one name is difficult, I would say Tonali from the technical point of view and the growth he had. At the end of the first year, there were some doubts and instead, we continued to work in a certain way. Even Leao, Théo, Bennacer were not like they are now.”

What is the mission that satisfied you the most?

“I remember a match against Atalanta in Bergamo: on a tactical and strategic level, as we understand football, beautiful. Then we always tried to give the players solutions.”

The moral leader for the future?

“Milan are losing some depth but the guys who are here have grown. In terms of impact, I think Maignan can be a point of reference for the dressing room.”

What will you miss most?

“The Milanello environment, an environment where you work in a fantastic way with people who have a great sense of belonging. I will miss it a lot. A magical place.”

What do you wish for your successor?

“Certainly those who arrive will find a very high work culture and a cohesive group. And I believe this is already a very valid starting point.”

Pioli isn’t expected to be present for Milan’s friendly against Roma in Australia next week, with Daniele Bonera set to lead the team. The game is scheduled for 13:00 CEST and it remains to be seen what the squad will look like.