AC Milan legendary coach, Arrigo Sacchi, had much praise to say to La Gazzetta dello Sport when talking about Stefano Pioli.
Here are his words:
"I don't know how the Scudetto sprint will end because I'm not a fortune teller. But I know that today will be a special day for Stefano Pioli. He could be a champion with Milan and if he succeeds he would have completed an authentic masterpiece. The Rossoneri were not the favourites at the start of the season, yet with the strength of the collective they reached the top, proving that ideas are more important than money."
He added:
"Pioli has been in the world of football for many years, first as a player and then as a coach. I have admired the continuous improvements. He is a serious, prepared, modest person. And his modesty leads him to broaden his knowledge and take constant steps forward. If I say that Milan have an obvious and recognizable style of play, it means that much of the credit goes to him because he had the skill to convey his ideas to the whole group. Not at all simple, because we live in a country where style, at all levels, and I am thinking of politics, industry, culture, is a rare commodity. Well, Pioli's team has a style instead and so the course has finally reversed", said Arrigo Sacchi.
On Milan's style of play:
"From time to time, observing the Rossoneri's games, I noticed that he still takes a bit of tacticism, but in general it must be admitted that Stefano has embarked on the path of renewal. He aims to have a strategy, that is, the weapon that allows you to go far. His Milan is very European in the way they play and stay on the pitch: they don't always manage to be short and compact, this is true, but they try and it is already a great merit."
On Stefano Pioli's improvement:
"Going to see his path at Milan you can see that Pioli has had a constant improvement. Remember when he looked like he was destined to be replaced by Rangnick? He did not say a word, he bowed his head, he began to work with greater tenacity and in the end he earned his confirmation. In this way, he also sent a message to his players: dedication to his profession and respect for values make it possible to achieve great goals. It was fundamental for him to find the understanding and synergy with the club. You know how I think: first comes the club, then the team, then the individuals."
Sacchi on how Stefano Pioli surprised:
"With passion, with humility, with the spirit of sacrifice. I really like Pioli's refinement, his education. He has shown that he knows how to manage the group very well, both in the positive and in the negative moments. He reminds me a lot of Carletto Ancelotti, and it is no coincidence that they are both from Emilia."
On the player-manager harmony:
"For the players it is the coach, who must be respected in his role, but he is also ready to be the friend, the teammate. It is a gift that not all technicians have: he forged the team in his image and likeness and entered into symbiosis with it. This season, whatever the final result, whether he wins the Scudetto or does not win it, he has done his utmost", concluded Sacchi.
