Luca Serafini feels Stefano Pioli is still the best man to lead AC Milan ahead, and that Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comeback will provide extra assurances regarding the project.
Pioli faced criticism in recent weeks as Milan went winless in four games, including three losses to Juventus, PSG, and Udinese, as well as a 2-2 tie against Napoli after leading 2-0.
The win over PSG on Tuesday night, on the other hand, offered a big collective boost during a difficult point in the season, and now everyone associated with Milan hopes that it will serve as a springboard to begin the season.
Serafini addressed those who had sharpened their blades to go after Pioli at the first hint of problems in his weekly essay for MilanNews, while also emphasizing the importance of Ibrahimovic’s comeback.
“The more I think about the matches against Newcastle, Borussia, Paris St. Germain and the first half against Napoli, about those 7 victories in the first 8 league matches, the more I am convinced of the refrain that I have been reciting by heart for some time, let’s say even a few years: the more Milan’s biggest limit, danger, opponent and problem are injuries,” said the Spaniard.
“Too frequent, too numerous, and too punitive.” No judgment can be comprehensive or believable unless it begins with this assumption. This falcidity, which Pioli frequently emphasizes, continuously influences the starting lineup, bench, substitutes, and game system.
“It is neither an alibi nor a justification for the coach: he is accountable, he is aware of the situation, and he must intervene.” Injuries, lineup changes, formation, attitude, and results… What happened to the news? The coach, by definition, income, job, and primary responsibility, lives on burning coals, on the gridiron.
“In March, Simone Inzaghi was tied to the vessel’s trampoline, ready to become crocodile food, and at the first Nerazzurri difficulties, he will return to the center of the viewfinder.” Mourinho and Sarri have always been, as have Garcia and Allegri.
“Only Gasp lives behind an impenetrable curtain among the world’s best coaches: at Atalanta, you live better between expectations, pressure, and repeated sporting miracles (of work).” It’s a different story.
“Sacchi, Capello, Ancelotti, let alone Pioli, walked a tightrope in Milan.” Who is not flawless, he makes appraisal and stubbornness errors: I have never encountered a coach who was not stubborn.
“How could it?” I don’t defend Pioli; instead, I analyze his journey.
“I reiterate my opinion: he is still the right man who happened to be in the right place at the right time.” And, as far as I’m concerned, it still is. I’d like to know what the viable possibilities are among the head-choppers scattered after the contest.
“Criticism is good, it helps, as long as it is not predetermined by sympathy or antipathy.” Or the current state of mind. They must be founded on thorough research.
“There is no proof or confirmation of rumors of arguments, rifts, insults, discussions, hands on each other in the locker room or even in the hotel, and a proud performance like that of Tuesday evening verifies the unity of a squad that – like many – suffers from
“The bar talkers, who unfortunately also belong to a small representation of Rossoneri fans who believe Inter should have won the Scudetto in 2022 and Juve should have qualified for the Champions League in 2023, do not belong to me: when one wins, another loses.”
“So, where is the need for public intervention for a company that has kept a low profile from the start, refusing to comment on fake news, arbitrage, or uncontrolled market rumours?” This is the mentality, whether right or wrong, profitable or not.
“Today, we discuss Ibra’s return as a manager (or consultant, depending on your perspective): when he returned as a player in 2020, Mino Raiola told me that he believed in the project and was convinced that Milan would be great again.” It was a relief after so many years of apathy, disintegration, mediocrity, and confusion. He was correct.
“If he now accepts a managerial role tailored to him, it will be a further guarantee of the continuity of a project: he will not be a spy, a mental coach, or a totem erected at Milanello.” He will be a manager with expertise, wisdom, and a strong drive to learn and grow in a new field. Paolo Maldini achieved success with pride.
