AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media in occasion of the Liedholm award when he took the stage.
The Rossoneri tactician had this to say about the club and also regarding Sandro Tonali.
"It is difficult to find analogies at the moment, it is a project that started a couple of years ago, but it takes a lot of time, a lot of care and a lot of attention. That's what we are trying to do to get the best in a undefined period of time"
On Tonali:
"He certainly does have the characteristics to become an icon for the AC Milan club."
Do you dream of coaching the Italy national team one day?
"In the future, maybe yes. But at the moment I want to stay on the pitch with Milan. It's a great club and I hope to continue as long as possible. Staying here for a long time? I hope so. I have a positive feeling from day one, we have created an excellent relationship with everyone. We are good together, we are all going in the same direction. This is fundamental."
How has the role of the coach evolved?
"Football has changed a lot. You have to take advantage of every moment to make the player grow both individually and collectively. Playing every three days is not easy, it is especially tough on a mental level. Luckily I coach a team with a great desire to play."
Pioli on which other sports he likes to follow besides football:
"I am a great fan of high-level sports and I take something from each one. Many coaches have left something behind. Our profession leads us to always think about what to do and what to say, every now and then we need to disconnect and therefore having other passions is important."
Which coach inspired you the most?
"I had many coaches and I played with great players. As a player, the coaches who left me the most were Trapattoni, Bagnoli and Ranieri. They all helped me to cultivate my idea of the game, which is now very precise."
