Pioli Reflects On Elevated Milan Standards Amid Speculation; Juric To Exit Torino

Stefano Pioli has addressed critics by highlighting the progress Milan has made since his tenure began five years ago. This comes amid speculation about his job security following a 3-1 defeat to Torino on Saturday. The loss means Milan has only won one of their last eight games across all competitions.

Pioli, who guided the Rossoneri to the Scudetto in 2022, is under contract until 2025. Despite securing second place this season, he faces increasing pressure. Milan currently trails rivals Inter by 18 points, who clinched the league title after their derby win in April. Additionally, Milan exited the Europa League after a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Roma in the quarter-final.

"Over these years, we raised everyone's expectations and now people act like second place is suddenly shoddy," Pioli told DAZN. "You know full well that is not the case. Only one team can win. It was a good season; we were the best of the 'normal' teams behind an Inter side who did something extraordinary."

Pioli acknowledged regrets in the Champions League and Europa League but noted that such tournaments are unforgiving if opportunities are missed. "I arrived with Milan in one situation, and I leave—if I leave—with Milan in quite another. The rest is just lots of talk and not much content," he added.

pic.twitter.com/iLeiNUIhbD — AC Milan (@acmilan) May 18, 2024

Meanwhile, Ivan Juric has announced his intention to leave Torino when his contract expires at the end of the season. Since taking over in 2021, Juric has led Torino to two top-half finishes and aims for another with the club currently sitting in ninth place and vying for a European spot.

Despite his successful tenure, Juric sees no reason to stay even if Torino finishes in the top eight. "No, there simply aren't the right conditions to continue here," he told Sky Sports Italia. "I would like more joy and there isn't joy here. You try to change things, but after a while, you realise it's pointless."

Juric reflected positively on his time at Torino: "It was right for us to try to go for Europe; we had a fantastic three years."

Milan will conclude their season at home against already-relegated Salernitana, while Torino will travel to Atalanta on May 26.