” CHOPPING BLOCK “: Milan considers axing coach as fans anger reaches fever pitch.
Stefano Pioli refuses to criticize Milan fans for their protest, although he believes the Rossoneri should have won against Genoa. Despite a large protest conducted by Milan ultras following Sunday’s 3-3 home tie with Genoa, coach Pioli’respects’ them.
Curva Sud fans stayed silent throughout the match until leaving with 10 minutes remaining, demanding a clear transfer strategy, communication, and ambition from the club. The’strange’ atmosphere at the San Siro affected Milan players, who saw Italy international Mateo Retegui open the scoring from the penalty spot. “It was a horrible start. “We didn’t have the proper concentration and unity in the first 20 minutes and gave up an early lead,” Pioli told DAZN.
“Then we created many chances while also making many mistakes. It’s not about commitment. We came back into the game with quality, but we conceded an avoidable goal. “This is the reality.”
When asked about the Milan ultras’ protest, Pioli responded: “The performance was there, but we were unable to gain a crucial victory. We have not won any of our last four matches. The fans choose this mode of protest, and we must respect them. “We must stay concentrated and perform well till the end. Our fans have always provided an added value. If they’ve chosen this type of protest, there’s a reason, and we need to keep doing well and attempting to accomplish more because we have the talent to finish the season strong.”
Milan has not won any of its last four Serie A matches.
“It’s unfortunate we didn’t win because it would have been significant for the table. “Against Juventus, it was a different game; the teams had different attitudes,” Pioli added. “Today, we were compelled to deliver a different performance against a team that defended with a large number of players. If you want to be aggressive and dangerous, you must take some risks. The Parma-born coach confirmed that Europa League elimination would be weighed by club directors when they evaluate the season and his future at the club.
“I believe it made an impression. Even though Roma is a good, well-trained team, we should have done better,” the coach added. “Of course, it had an impact, and it will be considered at the end of the season.” Milan fans booed Rafael Leao when Pioli replaced the Portuguese. “Rafa did not stay long enough inside the opponents’ box,” Pioli explained.
“I needed a winger who would go inside more frequently, and Noah [Okafor] performed better. It occurs; not every game or performance is the same.