Pioli gives verdict on Milan’s new signings and reveals dressing room leader replacing Ibra

Milan boss Stefano Pioli admits Mike Maignan can be the dressing room leader replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and praises new signings, especially ‘different’ Christian Pulisic.

The Rossoneri boss spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Milan’s departure for their pre-season tour in the USA on Friday.

There have been many changes at Milanello with Ibrahimovic, Paolo Maldini, Frederic Massara and Sandro Tonali leaving. The Serie A giants have already signed five new players and the sixth one is incoming given that Noah Okafor will undergo his medical on Saturday.

“I want a happy Milan and I want to be a happy coach. That’s what I’ve told everyone. They must be happy to be together and play a certain brand of football, wearing a prestigious shirt,” said Pioli.

“There is enthusiasm like always at the beginning of the season, we want to have an important campaign.

“It is difficult to win the Scudetto and it reflects the job you’ve done throughout the year. To win the Champions League would be exceptional, but you need luck too. There are many factors.

Pioli was asked which player has the personality to replace Ibrahimovic as the dressing room leader in 2023-24.

“Ibra was the leader of this team; nobody can really replace him, but if I have to name one, I’d say Mike Maignan,” said the coach.

“He has mentality and determination and a contagious obsession about being the best. He’s a reference point.”

How about Rafael Leao?

“I expect a further step forward after seeing him in training,” claimed Pioli.

“He has room for improvement and can reach an even higher level.”

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders are Milan’s biggest purchases so far this summer, while Marco Sportiello and Luka Romero have moved to San Siro on free transfers.

“Loftus-Cheek is a strong player, he combines technique and physicality,” said Pioli.

“His late runs can be crucial. We want to dominate and try to play entertaining football with more attacking players who can be decisive in the final third, something we may have lacked in the past.

“Reijnders also has quality. He moves well and is smart. He gives the right solutions to his teammates and he can be dangerous up front. He can score and link up.

“Pulisic always does the right thing at the right time, and it all becomes easier when you have a player like him. He can play in different roles. He is smart and strong in one vs. one situations. He is different from his teammates and I believe he can give unpredictability in a defined tactical system.”

What’s Pioli’s view on Maldini and Massara’s departure?

“The club decided to turn the page but history won’t be forgotten,” said the coach.

“We know what we did together. All people who have worked here gave their contribution. Now there is a different situation, different people who have enthusiasm and desire to do well. We want to do our best every day.”

Lastly, Pioli was asked if he would use a 4-3-3 formation permanently this season.

“It can be an option. Surely, but much will depend on what players learn on the pitch.

“We’ll use other systems too but are accustomed to changes during games. We’ll need time because we are signing new players who, however, are already mature. They are smart guys who want to learn. I have positive feelings.”