Pioli refuses to rule out Milan exit after Europa League elimination

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli looks on before the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and AS Roma at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on January 14, 2024. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Milan coach Stefano Pioli doesn’t guarantee he will remain in charge beyond the summer and tells reporters to ‘be patient’ and wait for the end of the season.

Pioli is under fire following Milan’s elimination from the Europa League quarter-final at the hands of Roma.

Reports in Italy had claimed the Italian tactician would be fired at the end of the season if he failed to qualify for the semis.

Therefore, reporters asked him last night at a post-match press conference what Milan’s loss against Roma meant for his future.

Pioli refuses to rule out Milan exit

“Be patient and wait for the end of the season. At that point, the club and I will discuss it,” the Parma-born coach replied, as quoted by Milannews.

“Assessments must be made at the end of the season even if results in Europe were worse than last term,” admitted Pioli.

“We still have the league, where we can do much better than last season.”

Milan meet Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Monday and must avoid defeat to prevent them from mathematically winning the title.

“We must change many things in the derby,” admitted Pioli.

“If we play as we did tonight [last night], we’ll surely have no chances. I think the guys are aware of it.”

Pioli’s Milan contract expires in June 2025. The Rossoneri currently sit second in the Serie A table, 14 points below their city rivals.