Two bad steps in the league were enough to reopen the debate whether to keep or remove him. The European competition will be decisive.
‘Pioli is on fire’ was sung in the championship chants of AC Milan to praise him: a kind of ‘Pioli is at the top’, ‘Pioli is at his best’. But now, given the situation, the literal translation of ‘Pioli is on fire’ seems more appropriate. The coach’s position for the upcoming season has been in danger for some time. And probably his confirmation will remain uncertain until the last moment, as it is tied to two simultaneous objectives: winning the Europa League and securing second place in the league. Winning the Europa League is essential.
A TROPHY TO WIN
Lifting an international trophy absent since 2007 would allow Milan to make the season successful, increase its appeal, and enhance the brand’s value. Victory, image, value: that’s what Cardinale demands.
Looking at Pioli’s five-year cycle at AC Milan, the overall balance remains positive: he took over from Giampaolo in the first year, improved the league position, and earned confirmation; the following year, he finished second behind Conte’s Inter; in the third, he unexpectedly won a scudetto somewhat dropped by Inter and became ‘on fire’. In the fourth year, he secured Champions League qualification only thanks to Juventus’ penalty, but he beat Napoli in the quarterfinals and played with Inter in the semifinals. The fifth year is ongoing.
THE FEELING
In short: a second place, a league title, and a Champions League semifinal are notable achievements, but recently, there’s been a decline in both Milan’s performance and the coach’s reputation. Social media trends like #Pioli-out highlight fans’ dissatisfaction. Criticisms include inconsistent performances and lapses in crucial moments. Despite Pioli’s past successes, doubts linger about the future. Pioli deserves more appreciation, but football is fickle. Perhaps leaving Milan would garner him more affection over time. It’s uncertain whether his tenure is over; it depends on results and continued commitment. Winning the Europa League is crucial, but facing tough opponents makes it challenging. Avoiding embarrassing defeats and securing wins are essential.
OWNERSHIP
Ultimately, the decision rests with the ownership. American owners, when they decide to make changes, tend to act decisively, as seen with Paolo Maldini’s departure. Names of potential replacements for Pioli have been circulating for a while, despite the club’s denials. This is common in football. However, the varying levels of potential candidates, ranging from top coaches like Conte to promising but less experienced ones, may raise doubts. If there are such diverse profiles being considered, it suggests a lack of clear direction. Pioli could potentially use this uncertainty to his advantage to stay on. But there’s a much more secure way: winning.
