New Sampdoria coach Andrea Pirlo offered his thoughts on former clubs Milan and Juventus, both of which he thinks will need time next season. Il Maestro left Fatih Karagumruk after one season before taking over at Samp in Serie B for the new campaign. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Azzurri legend discussed his expectations for the 2023-24 season, and also touched on the Bianconeri and Rossoneri:
“There is great enthusiasm. We’re aware that we represent a great club, we cannot make mistakes or disappoint the fans’ expectations.”
“The coaches are all under pressure, because they are the first to leave in case things don’t go well. I’ve always liked responsibilities, I’ve always taken them with serenity, and I still do, knowing I’m at a well-organized club, a Champions League structure was created here.”
“It happens because we’ve always been in Serie A, but we need time, we mustn’t deceive anyone. A difficult path awaits us, but that can be the goal.”
“A new market has opened up, as happened a few years ago in China. Football like life is this, if there are opportunities someone takes them.
“There is the Italian league, the English one and there will be the Arab league. Maybe it will become the best in the world.”
“Napoli did an extraordinary thing, but I had seen Spalletti in Turkey, during the championship break, and they were already projected to go all the way. We need to see what the rivals will do”.
“It will take time for the new Juve, at Milan Pioli has greater responsibilities and in the end I think Maldini will be missed. He was not only a special person for the players, but just as a man, because Maldini is always Maldini”.
