Former coach Arrigo Sacchi said Milan can win the Scudetto under Stefano Pioli and said Zlatan Ibrahimovic shouldn’t ‘demand too much’ from the youngsters.
Milan are unbeaten and top in Serie A after seven rounds and the former tactician, who picked up one Scudetto and two European Cups with the Rossoneri, believes Pioli’s men must take advantage of the slow start by their rivals.
Former coach Arrigo Sacchi said Milan can win the Scudetto under Stefano Pioli and said Zlatan Ibrahimovic shouldn’t ‘demand too much’ from the youngsters.
Milan are unbeaten and top in Serie A after seven rounds and the former tactician, who picked up one Scudetto and two European Cups with the Rossoneri, believes Pioli’s men must take advantage of the slow start by their rivals.
“There’s only one secret to reach the finish line,” Sacchi told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Believing in yourself, the game and the work you are doing.
“Milan can win the Scudetto in this strange championship, but Pioli’s men must be even more confident, more ruthless and more generous.
“Only in this way, they will be able to overcome the competition of opponents who now, perhaps, are snoozing. But sooner or later, they will jump forward.”
The Diavolo signed a new deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, brough in Sandro Tonali, Diogo Dalot, Brahim Diaz and Jens Petter Hauge, adding to an already young group of players.
“I say it again. Milan have the quality to fight for the title on one condition: that you point to the group and not an individual.
“If he will, and since Pioli is a good and intelligent coach, I’m sure he will behave accordingly, and we will see even greater collaboration between the players.
“There will be synchronous movements, the team will be tighter, and the pressing can be implemented more efficiently.
“The important thing is to make the whole group understand that the game is fundamental, there’s nothing above the play and you can only achieve success through the game.”
Sacchi praised Ibrahimovic but added the 39-year-old Swede should go easier on the youngsters at San Siro.
“A true champion. He’s an authentic example,” Sacchi added. “Did you see what he did against Verona?
“He missed the penalty, and a normal player could have gotten depressed, but he was even more charged and went to get the draw.
“He has a crazy personality, sometimes he must keep it under control. He can’t be too demanding with his teammates and scold them if they miss a pass.
“Sometimes it’s better to embrace than handing out a blow. But I see that others consider him their leader and that’s important.