AC Milan, much like this morning, reflects on Stefano Pioli's position. Despite Luka Jovic's late 2-2 equaliser in Salerno, the away game struck a chord with the fans, neutral observers, and the club itself: a disjointed team, some stars lacking their usual fire, and the thirtieth injury of the season. The standing remains respectable - third place, although Inter is distant - but the recent messages sent are deeply concerning. Milan has always intended to continue with Pioli at least until June, but football operates in such a way, with an important test every three days, making long-term planning a difficult feat.
Series of injuries deprive Milan of its best players, impacting results and causing financial losses, as seen in the Champions League elimination. The string of muscular issues - over 20 in five months - is a unique case in Italy and probably in Europe, too conspicuous to not be central in the analysis.
Pioli and his staff are logically considered responsible - not the only ones, but among those responsible - and changes are already looming on the horizon. Almost certainly within the physiotherapy team, perhaps even beyond. Additionally, witnessing players lacking their usual fire, like Rafa Leao and Theo Hernandez last night, is very worrying. It's no coincidence that Cardinale expressed dissatisfaction in the Christmas greetings: "Like all of you, I am not content with our current position in Serie A or the Champions League, but I know that sports competition is a marathon, not a sprint, and that continuity and coherence are virtues."
These words are not, however, a criticism of Pioli's work. Yet, some of Pioli's conciliatory statements after the Salernitana match might not have convinced everyone.
And now, what happens next? Certainties are impossible to obtain. Gerry Cardinale, from a distance, can decide one way or another. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a consultant of the highest level, will surely have weight, alongside CEO Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada, a key figure in the transfer market.
It will probably be crucial to understand what the players think. So far, even last night, the team has always reacted to difficulties, but the spirit of the championship has been absent for some time. Understanding which of these two considerations will prevail is the uncertainty two days before Christmas.
