Pioli reflects on Tonali’s Milan departure: 'There were initial doubts'

A year on from his departure, Stefano Pioli has looked back on Sandro Tonali’s AC Milan exit and reflected on the player and person who left the club.

It is more than fair to say last summer was a shock for many Milan fans. Tonali’s departure, alongside the losses of Frederic Massara and Paolo Maldini, sent the fanbase into overdrive about what was happening.

However, it can be argued that the summer as a whole repaid some faith, and signings such as Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders have been largely commended. Of course, the exits are still felt, but there is a hope that the summer can be replicated, if not bettered, especially if another star does not depart.

After the match against Salernitana, Stefano Pioli took a chance to reflect on several things when speaking to Sky, and one area he spoke of was his team, and players who he has cherished working with. His comments have been relayed by Milan News.

“I gave everything but I received everything: from my players, from the environment, from the fans. I am proud of this experience, only positive things will remain. I came out of this journey certainly serene and also improved as a coach and as a person. Which player has given me the most satisfaction? I started with a group of guys who needed to be supported and stimulated.

“Just one name is difficult, I would say Tonali from a technical point of view and the growth he has had. At the end of the first year, there were doubts and instead, he continued to work in a certain way. But also Leao, Theo, and Bennacer were not like now.”

The moral leader for the future?
“Milan is losing depth but the guys here have grown. On impact, I think Maignan can be a reference point in the dressing room.”