As reported earlier, Stefano Pioli has won the Panchina d'Oro award earlier. For this occasion, he spent some time talking to the media. Here are the words of the AC Milan gaffer:
"What we did last year makes us very proud and difficult. It was a team effort and an environment. Something special was created at Milanello, maybe we even went beyond our qualities. At the beginning of the season, no one had predicted our victory. The thickness of the people makes the difference, I worked with special people."
He added:
"We must have the same cohesion. When things are going well, everything is easier. It wasn't easy to overcome the difficult moment, but we have once again demonstrated that we are a cohesive group. We have come out stronger. There are still many games to play. Not only the team was cohesive, I am talking about the fans who have always supported us even when we suffered heavy defeats. They have helped us, we have fantastic fans."
On the current situation of the team, Pioli said:
"It is useless to keep talking about the negative moment. We focus on the next match against Atalanta, which will be a tough game. We will play to win as always."
On the end of the season:
"We must earn a lot of points. Our goal is to finish in the top 4. We are understanding how beautiful it is to play in the Champions League, so we want to play it next year too. There are two ways: finishing in the top 4 or winning the Champions League. We will try our best from now until the end."
On AC Milan's path so far:
"We were in line until the decline we had. But Napoli is doing something exceptional, otherwise, we would all be close in the standings."
On the change of the formation, Pioli stated:
"It's an extra solution. We had to find solutions. Many things worked this week."
To Whom do you dedicate this Panchina d'Oro award of yours?
"It's for everyone who has worked with me. You can't do anything alone. I dedicate it to all those who have always followed me."
On Malick Thiaw, Pioli declared the following words:
"He has good qualities. He's just starting out, but he has the qualities to establish himself."
