Pioli's AC Milan are in deep trouble and after two defeats in a row (Juventus then PSG), it will be a tough test against Napoli this weekend. Stefano Pioli will have to find the solutions to turn things around.
According to what is reported by the Tuttosport newspaper, it is in these moments that Pioli misses the charismatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the locker room and also the great support of Paolo Maldini who offered his availability to the coach and players every day at Milanello.
The early difficulties this season are clear for AC Milan. There is 'no core' in the locker room anymore in Pioli's team, explains the newspaper.
Until last season, Ibrahimovic was the one calling the shots at Milanello in training, a great character who served the club with more than motivation only. And behind him, Maldini loomed.
In terms of media presence, Paolo Maldini always formed a formidable shield in difficult times around Pioli. Well, in Paris, the emptiness around the coach was felt, as no executive thought to step up given the magnitude of the defeat and the dramatic situation in the group, especially because only the most incurable optimist would think that a team that hasn't managed to score a single goal in Europe (the other being Benfica) could win at least two of the next three matches.
Coach Pioli has shown in his years at Milanello that 'he has seven lives', writes the source. But, this time all the responsibilities will fall only on him. It was plausible that this problem would arise at some point in the season after Maldini was shown the door and Ibrahimovic choosing to retire. However, no one thought the crisis would come so soon, especially after Milan managed to string together a nice streak of victories following the derby loss.
