AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the microphones of SportMediaset about various topics. First, he started with sharing his thoughts on how the 2022 year was for him:
"We arrived at this prestigious victory ahead of its time, because when you invest in young players you expect to win a little further over time. We managed to do it almost immediately, so it's clear that 2022 for me and for It has been a very important year for us and with many satisfactions."
If he changed in the 2022 year:
"I've certainly changed. I'd like to see the players see how I coach now; this is part of the professional and human growth of any professional and I think it's been the negative experiences above all that have improved me the most. I think I've improved in many things, especially in two or three things that I consider the most important in my job: different tactical solutions, relationship with my players and probably even better communication towards the outside world than I could do at the beginning of my career", said Pioli.
How do you evaluate Carlo Ancelotti?
"Carlo is a top in everything. He has won in all championships, he has trained and improved the players, he has style, class, common sense, intelligence. For me, he is a coach of the highest level and a point of reference."
Pioli on the challenge with Antonio Conte who is now coach of Tottenham:
"It will certainly be a very important and stimulating match, partly because it's been a long time since Milan made it to the round of sixteen (of the Champions League) and also because we face great team which is coached by a great coach."
Did you really not touch a cigar for a month after Olivier Giroud's goal?
"Absolutely yes and I struggled because I smoke two a day and they are moments that I like and relax me. But it was worth it... it's a foil that I hope to repeat in the future".
Simone Inzaghi replaced you as coach at Lazio...
"When I could, I followed his training sessions a bit and when he could, mine. There has always been a very good relationship, great collaboration... Then it's clear that the paths went their separate ways, we met many times as opponents. We faced each other with great respect for each other."
Pioli on how his team was motivated to win the Scudetto last season:
"We were always uninterested in what was said from the outside. I tell you that I relied on the motivations of the players: even when we won, everyone gave other teams higher win percentages, I told my players every day. I have to say thanks to those who didn't believe in us because they always gave us the extra encouragement to achieve this great target."
Did Inter's owner Steven Zhang compliment you for your Scudetto victory?
"Yes, it's true. He always had a correct attitude. He wrote me 'Congratulations mister because you deserved it'."
On 'Pioli's on fire' chant:
"It's a difficult thing to describe, especially when our fans bring it into the San Siro, I experience very strong emotions and I honestly struggle to stay calm and control what my reactions could be. It's an even more beautiful thing because it started from the players and I see the players happy when the fans sing it. It's something that binds us, not just mine. It's a pleasure to tell you that in the summer it was everywhere, it's absolutely pleasing. Every wedding, every party, they sent me the videos and I was pleased. I appreciate it so much, there's no point in pretending nothing happened."
Where were you during the Bologna - Inter match?
"I was having dinner with Maldini and Massara because we have our habits and our appointments. But we weren't watching the match, on the contrary we pretended to be thinking about something completely different, we had unplugged the cell phones and we didn't even know the result. Radu's mistake? It's true that it was an important episode in our favour, but it's equally true that we scored 86 points to win the championship and we were the only ones to do so."
Pioli, are there any regrets?
"No, I think I did everything. I think on that day and the next day that I absolutely enjoyed the moment. We did everything we had to do, we rejoiced with each other, with our relatives and friends, with all the our fans who gave us an unforgettable day. Even if I truly savored the Scudetto victory in a deeper way when we returned to Milan at two in the morning, I was smoking a cigar with my son and we saw people passing by with flags. We then realised how great of an achievement we made."
How much do you miss your father?
"A lot. He was the first person I thought of because I always felt protected and safe with him. It's a very important thing as a child, but also as an adult. He has always followed me with a discretion, a positivity that he deserved to live this beautiful satisfaction with us."
What did your mother tell you after you won the Scudetto?
"She was very happy. Mum can't express emotions, criticism is better for her, but I know she is very proud. I have a family and a group of friends who have really followed me throughout my career, they too have lived positive and negative experiences. When you get to such a prestigious and important victory, the satisfaction, the joy, I think is even greater, if possible."
Pioli continued:
"My father did a lot of jobs. We are three brothers, my mother worked. When they got married, he told her to stay at home with the children and he'd take care of things. I would have been a postman if I hadn't been a player, or rather, what I would have done after the player's career. I think it's a job that could satisfy me."
On his son who works with his as part of the coaching staff:
"His was a prepared entrance and not immediately exposed in person. Those who know him appreciate his professional qualities, that's the important thing. He is a boy with a great determination and he is making his way to create his own path for the future."
Pioli, do you believe in the Scudetto for this season?
"We have to think that we can think about winning the Scudetto. Then it is evident that if Napoli continues to make this pace they will reach 100 points and deservedly win the championship."
Would you like this success again in 2023?
"Let's hope. We are here with great ambition, definitely. We have no intention of giving up, we want to score lots of points and try to get this beautiful ornament back on our heads."
