Stefano Pioli has conducted his first official press conference of the 2023-24 season, sitting down with members of the press to discuss his plans for the transfer market and the upcoming Serie A campaign.
The Rossoneri coach addressed the media at Milanello on Monday, shortly after the first team returned for their first day of pre-season training.
Pioli confirmed that the club still has a lot of work to do over the summer in terms of both incomings and outgoings, but firstly he was asked about the departures of directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara.
“I want to thank Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, it’s the longest relationship I’ve had with directors and I owe a lot to them,” Pioli told the press. “We had a good working relationship, I respected them but also I was close to them. Milan decided to change direction.
“I’ve always felt part of the plans though, I don’t feel my role has changed that much. I’ve always felt involved in transfer discussions. Our transfer market is often full of surprises, but also full of ideas.
Pioli was then asked whether the change in structure of the Milan hierarchy means that he now has more or less control over the team’s signings.
He replied: “Even before, I was asked to give an idea, I was asked if I was interested in certain signings. I don’t conduct negotiations, I don’t make the economic moves, but I’ve always been asked about players.
“I really respect my players, I hold them in very high regard. They won a Scudetto, they reached the semi-final of the Champions League, but now it is time to make a few changes.
“It will be our objective to improve the squad and to improve players individually.”
Asked whether he has any specific goals for the 2023-24 season, Pioli responded: “We will have to try to be competitive in the competitions we will play, but also win something.
“Then, we will have to try to improve and become the best team possible for our set of strengths and characteristics”.
One journalist asked whether he expects to have his full squad available by the time the team jets off for their pre-season tour of the United States at the end of July.
“The transfer market ends on August 31, so I don’t think we will have our full squad by the time we set off for America, I expect a few changes.
Pioli also had some words for the Milan supporters, many of whom gathered outside Milanello to welcome the team to their first day back in training.
“Our fans continue to demonstrate that they are unique, that they are the best,” he said. “It has always been an equal relationship, we give everything and they do, too.”