Milan are winless in the last four games, but Arrigo Sacchi defends Stefano Pioli and blames the club’s transfer strategy: ‘They signed too many foreigners.’
The Rossoneri suffered a 1-0 loss against Udinese at San Siro on Saturday and were booed by their own fans for the first time in three years.
Milan are now six points behind table leaders Inter and sit at rock bottom of their Champions League group. They will meet PSG at San Siro on Tuesday in a key match to keep their hopes for qualification to the Round of 16 alive.
Fans on social media are starting to call for Pioli’s sacking, but former Rossoneri boss Sacchi has a different view.
“Is there somebody thinking it is Pioli’s fault? I hope not. I think the biggest error was made at the start. That’s where all the problems began,” the ex-Italy and Milan coach told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Too many foreign players were signed. Those coming from abroad take a while to understand our league and our methods. These guys seem confused and the result is that Milan do not always look like a team.
“I think boos were fair because the performance had been terrible. The fact is that there isn’t enough time to enter the player’s heads and convince them to become a collective.”
So, what do Milan need now?
“When I arrived at Milan, I was labelled as Mr. Nodoby and I was a Mr. Nobody but I didn’t want arrogant and individualist players or not professional,” Sacchi replied.
“Coaches must make their voices heard before making new signings. Before signing Rijkaard, I sent somebody to follow him for two weeks. When he returned, I even asked him what he ate and which were his habits off the pitch. You must choose the person ahead of the footballer.
“Pioli must have the leadership needed to lead a group,” continued Sacchi.
“I was struggling in my first season at Milan, so Berlusconi arrived at Milanello and said: ‘Good afternoon, I have the maximum trust in Arrigo; those who follow him will remain next year. Who doesn’t will leave. Goodbye.’ A 27-second speech. From that moment, we started a great ride. The club’s strength is crucial to reaching great targets.”
Milan lost three games and collected one draw after the international break in October, scoring only two goals and conceding seven.
Their next Serie A match is against Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare on Saturday, November 11.
I wanna see these #PioliOut people coaching Milan & their results.
Pioli is NO Sacchi!
Calm down its not as if it’s a surprise. Cardinale wanted a European team whatever that means. I think Seria Anything but Italians should prioritise the de Italianisation of our football . A sort of footballing Brexit for the uneducated physcophants who follow their team without any Italian identity.
i totally agree with sacchi to many foregners players in the team, i also think that whoever organaside the tranfers, he hasen’t done is home work,as i believe that is not very good,i mean when is the last time that an a AC MILAN,player been in the italian side rappresent ITALY?? the italian media ,needs to stop praising praising,first of all,LEAO,why are they keepon saying that is got talent? in my opinion is another (BALLOTTELLI)lazy & not working for the team,another one is(theo hernandez) even when is rubbish ,they say that is the best left back in the (WORLD???) rubbish i’ve been supporting ac milan,all my life,i’m(74)years old,& i’ve never seen such rubbish game as the one v udinese,& now they want to bring zlatan back?? & is he gonna make AC MAGIC AGAIN?? do me a favor,it will be a waste if money.