There has been much change at AC Milan recently, and it seems another monumental change could be just around the corner. Massimo Ambrosini offered his thoughts on Stefano Pioli’s future and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return amongst other topics.
The senior faces around Milanello have changed recently. Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara have departed, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back, and Stefano Pioli’s tenure as Milan’s head coach is on the verge of its finale.
We are yet to see the full effect of the Swede’s return and the parts he will play, especially regarding the mercato and head coach situations. However, he has already filled a gap around Milanello.
There have been claims that the departure of the Rossoneri’s former technical director could be a reason behind the struggles the side are having due to the lack of such a figure around Milanello. As such, it is believed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic can bridge that gap and provide vital knowledge to the club’s management.
Massimo Ambrosini spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport, and his words were relayed by RadioRossonera.
How would you define this Milan side and Pioli?
“It’s a team that lacks continuity. It has a fairly precise idea of football but has rarely managed to put it into practice, precisely, with continuity.
“Evidently, it has values that struggle to emerge. Finding a definition is not easy: Milan could be defined as a strange animal… It is difficult to decipher it. Let’s say that Milan’s real game this season was in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.”
Is it a case of too much negativity?
“Yes, I’ve noticed it too. It surprises me, I’ve always been used to dealing with fans who thought in a certain way. So it’s striking to see how disaffected people have become. Of course, you know, in football, the credit brought by victories is not unlimited, but all things considered, even last season it was done in a certain way and at a certain level. The amazement is on how after the Scudetto the whole environment handled the difficulties.
Are Milan correct to stay with Pioli?
“Milan are in line with what is the minimum objective. On the coach, I don’t think we’ve reached the point of no return, of breaking. Of course, it’s worrying to see how the team falls with this continuity. To this must be added the expectation of an ownership that has spent so much on the market”.
Thoughts on Ibrahimovic 3.0…
“For now it’s obviously not judged. But reasoning as a former footballer, I can say that I have always felt the need for there to be elements to hold on to in the club in difficult times. I saw Maldini and Massara as hooks that the lads could cling to.
“It seems to me, however, that Zlatan has not been entrusted with a simple role as a trait d’union [a link between the squad and management], but with the ownership goes much further.”
Does Zlatan fill the void left by Maldini and Massara?
“Yes, also because the coach has been entrusted with tasks that the club takes for granted, but which are extra aspects for the coach. But in reality, the real point is another. The players must also take responsibility.
“It is quite clear that the basic problem is motivation, and the motivation must come from the coach, the environment and the club, but the players must also do more and they must do it better. With more spirit, with more conviction and with more continuity. They must re-energise, and re-feed. Even forcing themselves, if necessary, for the good of the group”.
Pioli I promised and assure you if you use your useless tactics 4-3-3 I can assure you you’re losing to Sassuolo live and consider yourself sacked because your not capable of giving us results we need
Are Milan correct to stay with Pioli?
“Milan are in line with what is the minimum objective. On the coach, I don’t think we’ve reached the point of no return, of breaking. Of course, it’s worrying to see how the team falls with this continuity. To this must be added the expectation of an ownership that has spent so much on the market”.
.. “It is quite clear that the basic problem is motivation, and the motivation must come from the coach…”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement is it?