SecondIt’s been a while since Stefano Pioli had an in-depth understanding of AC Milan’s new club culture.since Zlatan Ibrahimovic The coach said that when he came back, he did not often go to the players’ locker room, which was unnecessary. He also no longer talks directly with players about possible improvements after the game. “They don’t particularly accept this,” Pioli said. He announced the lineup for no reason before the game. If anyone complains, the door to his coach’s office in the Milanello training center is always open.
Pioli said that once, Ibrahimovic walked into his office and said: “So, coach, now I’m talking!” He, the coach, sat down and listened to no answer. “I spoke the next day,” Pioli said: “We will also tell each other negative things.” This is how Milan works now. “You have to understand the situation, the people, and the moment.”
These snapshots from the new reality reflect a new professional atmosphere, and perhaps surprisingly its simple duality, namely AC Milan Obviously beneficial. After 11 game days, Milan ranked second in the Serie A standings, tied with the leader SSC Naples. Since 1954, the 18-time Italian champion has had no better start to the season. After going through difficult years and changes in ownership, Milan experienced a few months of happiness, which sometimes still arouses people’s surprise, especially among the public.
Derby as a favorite
This Sunday (DAZN 8:45 PM), AC will welcome city rivals and champion Inter Milan’s “Derby della Madonnina”, the match is named after the statue of Mary in Milan Cathedral. Milan is favored again for the first time in many years, with Inter ranked third, 7 points behind. Not everyone believes in defeating the master-except Ibrahimovic. What did the Swedes, who alternate between arrogance and genius, say when they returned to Milan in January? “The important thing is that the cathedral sees me, not that I see the cathedral.”
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Milan did not lose contact with Ibrahimovic. The 2011 championship surge has continued since January 2020, not just because of Ibrahimovic. The association is currently an example of how successful development works. Ibrahimovic scored three goals in seven Serie A games this season. His extreme requirements, ambition and experience are important elements in this system. “He helped the entire team grow,” coach Pioli said of the 40-year-old player. “He is always powered on.”
The second factor is the management around the technical director Paul Martini, Sports Director Frederic Massara and Managing Director Ivan Gazidis. After years of turmoil, Berlusconi’s club was sold to Chinese investor Li Yonghong. In 2018, the club fell into the hands of US investment fund Elliott due to Li’s failure to fulfill his obligations. Maldini combined experienced players such as Ibrahimovic, defenders Simon Kjaer and Olivier Giroud with young, hungry and unknown players, who were affectionately called in Milan The “little devil” who is the mascot of the club. Maldini also issued clear disciplinary rules for the team. The fact that the soap opera on the transfer to Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Donnarumma ended in the summer ensures calm.
The influence of Stefano Pioli
Another factor is the coach Pioli himself, the 53-year-old player from Parma who has worked in the province for many years but also coached Lazio Roma. Inter Milan And AC Florence. “I have to put in a lot of effort to reach this point,” he said. In addition, he also received training in communication, psychology and leadership. “The players I trained in Salerno in 2003 would not recognize me,” he said. In 2020, Gazzetta dello Sport named him the “Best Coach of the Year”. Pioli came to AC Milan in October 2019 and then lost 5-0 to Bergamo Atlanta in December-a zero hour for today’s team. Ibrahimović and Kjær were signed during the winter break.
The team did not lose a game until January 2021, and ranked second in the standings last season, second only to champion Inter Milan. For the first time in many years, she qualified for the Champions League again. General manager Gazidis’ plan to sign Ralphronick last summer has been abandoned. On the contrary, there is no longer any reason to drive Pioli out. Pioli reports that management has not set any minimum goals, “which helps a lot.” Like Rafael Leo (21), Alexis Salemex (22), Blahim Diaz (22), Frank Casey (24), Ismail Young players such as Ben Nacer (23), David Calabria (24) and the audience’s favorite Sandro Tonali (21) can develop without pressure. “For me, the players are a bit like children,” said Pioli, who also has his son Gian Marco as a game analyst for the coaching staff.
Milan’s deficits were exposed in the Champions League. After a 1-1 draw with Porto on Wednesday, only one point in the four games needs to be booked. Corriere della Sera wrote about “the syndrome of the puppy not daring to leave the kennel”, perhaps because the team is “afraid of flying”. Because experts trust AC Milan, this team is one of the favorites to win the league. This will also reduce Stefano Pioli’s burden. He reported that his main critic was his mother. “She complained that I haven’t won the championship yet.”
