Stefano Pioli insists he never thought about getting the sack after Milan returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Sassuolo. Christian Pulisics’ goal in the first half was enough to secure a vital three points, leaving the Rossoneri third in the table at the end of the year. Poor performances and a string of injuries have called Pioli’s future at the club into question, but speaking with Sky Sport Italia post-match, he insists he never thought about getting the axe this year:
“We did well, clearly we can and must find continuity throughout the match that allows us to keep a higher standard, but the boys were determined and attentive. Sassuolo have the quality to hurt at any time, we conceded the right amount. The group never gave in to difficulty.”
“The hug under the curva? I have a very responsible group, four years ago I was a torment for them, while now I leave them very free, because they have a great sense of belonging and respect towards the coach, the club, the fans. I deflect a bit more, because I know that they always find a way to do their best”.
“Furlani’s words? I believe that as long as I’m here it means that the club has faith in me and that I can be the best coach for this team. After that, I’m not a kid anymore, in a club like Milan when you don’t win it becomes a problem. But this discourse has never entered my head. We will try to do better in 2024, in 2023 everything did not go as we wanted, but we have great potential.”
“Booing Leao? They were whistles of affection…. One always expects matches of a certain level, he is still not in the best condition. Today he won a few less duels, but he is always a reference point for our offensive phase. He also scored, but unfortunately he was offside. But it’s fair to expect a high level of performance from him”.
“I work with a fantastic group, I have always had the trust of the club. There aren’t many situations, apart from Gasperini and Allegri, where you stay at a high level at the same club for so many years. Results count. Even at Liverpool there is one of the best coaches in the world, but last year he didn’t even finish in the top six. I am the first to say that we can do more. I’m only disappointed when I can’t turn the team’s potential into results.”
