Stefano Pioli explains his rapport with the players, including Franck Kessie, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mike Maignan. ‘I could happily stay at Milan forever.’
The coach has been at San Siro since October 2019 and took them to second place last season, while they are again in the Scudetto race after beating leaders Inter 2-1.
At the Olivier Giroud winner to turn that game around, Pioli ran all the way to the corner flag to celebrate with his players.
“Looking back at the footage, I did take quite a while to reach the players!” he laughed on Radio Anch’Io Sport.
“The important thing is that I did get there! I am a very emotional person, I experience everything with my players, so it was only right to go and celebrate with them.
“The rapport between coach and players is fundamental. I try to have this rapport of trust to get the best out of each of them.”
Pioli is under contract until June 2023 and seems to be at the centre of a genuine rebuilding project with the club hierarchy.
“I could happily stay at Milan forever, but I know that football is full of unknowns and unexpected dynamics. All I can say is that I am very happy here.”
There is a particularly strong bond with Ibrahimovic, whose experience and charisma makes him almost an assistant manager, especially now that injury has kept him on the touchline.
“Ibra remains a great player and an important resource for us. He is doing everything he can to get back on the pitch. He will never be a burden for us, but an important resource who helped the team to grow.”
Pioli also stands by midfielder Kessie, who has been targeted by fans after rejecting a contract extension, ready to leave in the summer as a free agent.
“He can play in many roles, I used him as a trequartista against Inter to limit Marcelo Brozovic. Kessie is a professional, we’ll see what happens with the contract.”
A hero of the derby victory was goalkeeper Maignan, who has helped supporters forget about Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“I was not surprised by his performances, as I was really impressed by Maignan when we played Lille. He gives his all, is very curious and eager to learn.”
@acmilan | Stefano #Pioli torna a parlare del #derby https://t.co/4A3tOIiIhN
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 7, 2022
You can be right or wrong Mr. Pioli, but the education and manners are not in discussion. We are happy to have a good coach and humble person as our manager
My only advice Pioli is if your going to make runs like that to celebrate, put on a pair of boots…we do not need anymore injuries!!!