Marco Tardelli defended Stefano Pioli from unhappy Milan fans, highlighting how the coach ‘isn’t the only one’ who has made mistakes.
The Rossoneri started the season well, winning their first three outings against Bologna, Torino and Roma, but looked poor in their first Derby della Madonnina of the campaign, collapsing in a 5-1 loss to Inter.
Milan weren’t up to their usual standards in their Champions League opener against Newcastle United, being wasteful in the final third in a frustrating 0-0 draw. The wobble has again reignited concerns regarding Pioli’s capabilities in the dugout.
Writing in La Stampa via TMW, Tardelli discussed the criticisms of Pioli and Milan’s recent drop in results.
“Despite having achieved important results, he was put on the grill by his own fans. He certainly made some mistakes, but he’s not the only one.
“The Rossoneri tried to have possession of the ball without fruit, the Nerazzurri concrete, less possession of the ball, but many more goals. Stefano Pioli’s fault, yes.
“But where were the players, the new signings who had deceived us so much? Or the ‘veterans’ who should have supported them?
“Courage Stefano, you were right not to apologize to the fans, but you were wrong to allow, in such a delicate moment that someone (at least unusual that visit from Ibrahimovic, for example) came between you and the team. Good luck.”
Pioli guided the Rossoneri to the Scudetto in the 2021-22 season, their first league title in a decade, but has started to lose support amongst fans since due to inconsistent results and ineffective tactical changes.
Milan have the chance to bounce back in their upcoming clash against Hellas Verona. Following that, they’ll face Cagliari on September 27 before hosting Lazio three days later.