Pioli Shares Emotional Farewell To Milan Fans, Hints At Premier League Future
Stefano Pioli has expressed his gratitude to Milan supporters after concluding his tenure with a 3-3 draw against Salernitana on Saturday. Pioli, who ranks fourth in Serie A wins for Milan managers with 108 victories, follows Carlo Ancelotti (163), Nereo Rocco (120), and Fabio Capello (110). Despite a challenging season, Pioli's five-year spell saw significant moments, including a league title in 2022.
Addressing the fans post-match, Pioli said, "We lost together, we suffered together, we won and rejoiced together... You have an energy that we tried to put on the field. You put a fire in my heart and it will always remain lit. I will not forget you." Milan finished second behind Inter this season, trailing by 18 points. Inter will face Verona in their final game on Sunday.
The seven-time European champions exited the Champions League in the group stage and were later eliminated from the Europa League by Roma in the quarter-finals. Reflecting on his time at Milan, Pioli told DAZN, "I experienced emotions thanks to our fans that don't happen often in the career of a coach. They filled my heart with joy and gratification. I can only be proud of what we did together."
Pioli added, "This experience took me to this moment and I want to keep building, if I get the possibility, something special. I am very demanding with myself; I leave my comfort zone. I know what to ask from the club and players, I know what it takes to raise the level again. That is the joy of this profession."
Under Pioli's guidance, Milan's young squad clinched the Scudetto in 2022. "We were the youngest squad to win the Scudetto and I watched these lads become men. I can say that I have the ambition to try to repeat something special," he stated.
Regarding his future, Pioli hinted at a potential move to the Premier League. "I am studying English; it might be the right time," he said. "We'll see over the next 10-15 days, which could be decisive, but I don't feel the pressure to choose anything in particular. I realised that I am very resilient and tenacious. This is part of the growth process for a coach."
Pioli also commented on his coaching philosophy, noting his preference for action over words. "I don't like coaches who talk too much, above all those who are not working now or worked in the past and talk a lot. They've all been through the same things we have; they know judgment could be more balanced," he concluded.
A final word from Mister Pioli #MilanSalernitana #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/Fr2M1UlviC
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 25, 2024
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