Stefano Pioli underlined how at home he felt with Milan and noted that ‘pressure is part of the job’ as the team fight for their first Scudetto in a decade.
The Rossoneri currently sit top of the Serie A table with 66 points, three points clear of second place Napoli and six ahead of Inter. The Milanese club now look to be in a good position to pick up their first Scudetto since the 2010-11 campaign, although it’s still too early to pop the Champagne.
Speaking at Expo 2020 in the United Arab Emirates, Pioli first discussed the importance of Milan’s veteran duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud.
“Milan needs everyone. Zlatan and Olivier know what it means to win and the sacrifices needed to achieve great results. I think this team has great potential.
“We’ve never ruled out anything, but this is my current opinion, let’s collect more points than last season, let’s play every game as if it were absolutely decisive and then see where we end up.”
He touched on how playing one game a week is an important benefit for the Rossoneri.
“Not being involved in any more midweek games will allow us to do targeted work and give our players more rest.
“We are proud to be part of Expo 2020 Dubai with the Milan Academy, putting our experience and the values of our club at the disposal of local children. I am curious to see how the city has changed over the years.”
The Italian coach spoke about the city of Dubai and the international experience in the Milan management.
“The impression I had was that I was surrounded by buildings that were constantly changing, and that I was in places where time and space had no limits.
“It was a job that involved all the components of our club. Elliott Management put us in a position to work at our best, while everyone also benefited from the presence of club executive Ivan Gazidis and his international vision.”
Pioli discussed his strong relationship with club director Paolo Maldini.
“I’m lucky enough to talk to him on a daily basis, he’s an indispensable point of reference. I’ve always said that I’ve been lucky enough to coach a great group, players who perfectly embody the values of this club. Together, we are trying to write a new page in history.”
He highlighted how at home he feels in the Milan environment.
“After just a few days at Milan, I felt something that I’d never felt anywhere else, I felt immediately at home. That’s what Milan is for me: home. Pressure is part of my job, but it is also motivating because it reminds me that I can always do better.
“During a journey there may be moments when you slow down, but the important thing is to keep going and never stop.”
Finally, Pioli discussed the importance of the Rossoneri fans and how important they are.
“Our goal is to make our fans happy. That is why we play. We are fortunate to have extraordinary supporters and we will never stop thanking them because their passion has always been contagious.”
#Pioli: 'Vogliamo fare la storia del #Milan. Rinnovo? Mai stato così bene da altre parti, sono a casa. E con Maldini…' https://t.co/XOwLF2ISm6 pic.twitter.com/w0MPY5Mr6o
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) March 21, 2022
The ironic thing is that whilst Giroud has scored some crucial goals, he’s also missed sitters in key moments including against Cagliari.
His hold up play has also been hit and miss. He did better against Cagliari but against Empoli he gave the ball away in dangerous positions.
Young players would never get away with that.
I m shouldn’t complain though because overall Milan have been great.
‘Finally, Pioli discussed the importance of the Rossoneri fans and how important they are.’
Did h e perhaps also have a chance to discuss the supporters’ importance and how crucial the fans are?