Milan coach Stefano Pioli admits he argued with former director Paolo Maldini and insists Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle transfer was a ‘good opportunity’ for all the parties involved.
The Rossoneri boss spoke at a press conference on Monday at the beginning of Milan’s pre-season.
There have been a lot of changes at Milanello already, with former director and club legend Maldini leaving at the end of 2022-23 and Tonali’s move to Newcastle for €70m.
Speaking about the transfer of the Italian midfielder, Pioli said: “It’s a big loss from a technical perspective and he must be replaced properly. It was a good opportunity for both parties and him, it was difficult to do something different.”
The Rossoneri have signed Ruben Loftus-Cheek but are looking for more midfielder reinforcements, given that Ismael Bennacer will be out for several months due to a knee injury.
Milan’s transfer activity will be carried forward by CEO Giorgio Furlani and Chief Scout Geoffrey Moncada now that Maldini and Ricky Massara have left.
“I want to thank Maldini and Massara. If I am here, it’s also thanks to them,” said Pioli.
“I’ve always felt at the centre of the project. I used to talk to Paolo and Ricky, now with Moncada and Furlani. I’ve worked a lot this month. I spoke to players who could have joined us in the past, so my work hasn’t changed much. Our transfer window will be based on ideas.
“We had an excellent relationship. Of course, there were some arguments, especially when we won the title, but respect was always there.”
Milan are not the only Serie A team beginning the pre-season today as Roma, Inter, Juventus and Napoli players have also gathered for medical tests ahead of the new campaign.