AC Milan's coach Stefano Pioli granted an interview to the microphones of La Repubblica where he talked about himself and the season.
Here are his words:
On his future:
"A renewal is not a priority. With Maldini and Massara, we will talk about how to improve the team."
On the return of the Champions League:
"Before the Atalanta game, I asked the boys if they still wanted to play against Rio Ave or against Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and PSG. We will be in the fourth bracket, it is a bit strange for the runners-up of Italy. Anyways, we want to grow. The 2021/2022 season will be the confirmation of our group. I am lucky to work with such a group."
On the attitude team and the mercato:
"If we are the youngest team in the first five leagues, it is because we have shown maturity. It is not a question of age, but of attitude. The Scudetto? We must take one step at a time, we must not lose determination and enthusiasm. Inter took years and investments, Juventus will be among the favorites again. Our management supports and protects us. The market? My executives have already shown creativity. Whatever the budget, Milan will do their part. The important thing is to have built a base of 10-12 players from the top team, such as Theo Hernandez, Tomori, Kjaer, Kessie, Calabria, Calhanoglu, Ibrahimovic."
On Donnarumma:
"He is an exemplary professional. he has always thought about the field. After that, a negotiation may or may not work. We thanked each other, it is a sincere relationship. I wished him good luck for the Euros."
On Ibrahimovic missing games:
"I'm sorry for the injuries of Mandzukic, who was chosen to alternate with Ibra without lowering the level. Zlatan will not be able to play them all. The Champions League is less heavy than the Europa League on Thursday, but we need the fourth striker."
About Kessié:
"What if he is our new leader? We have more than one, even Kjaer is a leader. Franck, in difficulties, is the reference of the companions. Up to a minute before training, he dances and seems not very concentrated, then he is an example for everyone."
On the Super League:
"Meritocracy is the basis of sport, but UEFA and FIFA must ask themselves why such important clubs have thought about the split. It means the system has failed. Do Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus risk the Champions League? A meeting is inevitable between the components of European football, to develop the product. Comparisons and changes are needed."
On the only regret of the season that just ended:
"The only regret is the elimination with Manchester United. The goal canceled by Kessie in Manchester and the return without Ibra, Rebic and Leao had a great influence. It is said that the Italians have no rhythm and intensity, but we in Europe have never experienced difficulties. Before we can play against Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, we must complete a growth path, made up of years in the Champions League."
On his Champions League debut as a coach:
"It's a continuous growth: passion allows me to be curious and want to improve. I want to challenge myself against the greatest coaches."
On the difference between home performance and away performance:
"We have never lacked control of the game, but at home we have very negative data in the one-on-one offensive. We don't have many players who jump the opponent."
On the "20 penalties for AC Milan" argument:
"They don't affect me, we would have deserved more. The Var goes back to the origins and intervenes in case of evident error of the referee. By the way, just trust the freeze frame. On the momentum, a contact in the photo is always seen, but football is not static. I also take the liberty of giving advice to Rizzoli who is the designator of the referees whom I respect. It would take fixed pairs of referee-Var, who alternate in the two roles to refine the same way of refereeing. Today they change constantly."
