Milan boss Stefano Pioli believes Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola are ‘the best coaches in the world’ and explains what he expects from Rafael Leao in tonight’s Champions League clash against RB Salzburg.
The Rossoneri face the Austrian side in a key Champions League fixture and need a win or a draw to qualify for the Round of 16.
“We are focused on Salzburg and have forgotten about the defeat against Torino. It’s another competition, of course, we aren’t happy with the loss, but we have a big opportunity now,” he told SportMediaset.
“We always expect the best from Leao, he is an essential attacking weapon,” continued the coach.
“He must work well like the rest of the team, we must be focused defensively, and we know our players can shift the balance in our favour.”
Leao was subbed off during the break of Sunday’s 2-1 loss against Torino at the Stadio Grande Torino.
Milan can qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time since 2013-14 when Massimiliano Allegri was in charge of the Rossoneri.
Ancelotti was the last Milan coach to lift the Cup With The Big Ears with the Rossoneri in 2006-07 and Pioli praised the Italian tactician.
“I think he and Guardiola are the best coaches in the world,” he said in another interview with PrimeVideo.
“Ancelotti made history at Milan, although in a different era. I don’t know him personally, but I think he has superior intelligence and the ability to enter his players’ hearts and souls. Surely, he is a top coach.”
Ancelotti, now at Real Madrid, has become the first coach to win the Champions League four times. He is also the only manager to have won the domestic title in each of the top five leagues.