Stefano Pioli’s Future At AC Milan Not as clear as formerly thought.
Stefano Pioli thought he was out, but he quickly re-entered. Only a few months ago, the Milan coach appeared to be on the verge of leaving the Rossoneri following a string of dismal performances and elimination from the Champions League. Milan went winless in Serie A from late October to mid-November, a stretch of four games that featured winnable games against Udinese and Lecce. Milan had a 2-0 lead against the Puglian side before losing it in the second half, adding salt to the wound.
Stefano Pioli may have done enough to secure his position at Milan, as the club’s recent form has quelled his critics ahead of the summer. The Rossoneri were in a terrible position in the run-up to Christmas, having been knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and falling 11 points behind rivals Inter following the 17th game of the season, thus removing them from the title chase.
Pioli began to be seriously questioned by Milan supporters and analysts, with many wanting to see a fresh face in the bench, such as Antonio Conte or Thiago Motta, a sentiment supported by some club directors. However, after the turn of the year, things have changed. Page 14 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport describes Pioli’s turnaround at Milan during the last three months, with the team winning eight of its last 11 Serie A games, propelling it to second place in the table.
The Rossoneri now have an 11-point lead over fifth-place Roma and appear to have clinched their Champions League qualification, a critical goal that might secure the Italian coach’s job for another year.