Milan have lost five derbies in a row against their arch-rivals Inter, scoring once and conceding 12, but Stefano Pioli angrily refused to ‘apologise’ to the fans. ‘Do you think we lost 5-1 on purpose?’
The Rossoneri have had a nightmare 2023 against their city cousins, suffering five consecutive defeats between Serie A, the Supercoppa Italiana and the Champions League semi-finals.
It was hoped this season would be better after a ramped up transfer strategy that brought in 12 new players, but instead they suffered their heaviest defeat with a 5-1 result.
“Inter are strong, that is not surprising, but the result is too heavy considering our performance,” insisted Pioli in the press conference.
When the coach was asked by a reporter if he felt it was time to apologise to the fans, he reacted angrily.
“I do not agree with this idea of apologising to the fans. Do you think we lost 5-1 to Inter on purpose and lose the derby? We are disappointed, just as the fans are. You should only apologise when you do something wrong on purpose.”
Pioli was pushed again, urged to look back at the run of five derbies with one goal scored and 12 conceded.
“You turn around and look at what you want. We lost five derbies and will try to do better.”
It remains to be seen if the Milan hierarchy share the same view as Pioli, because it was reported the directors entered the locker room after the match.
“The directors were there to give us strength, but we cannot go home with our heads held too high.”