AC Milan were incredibly close to sacking Stefano Pioli during the December 2023 slump in form but the situation has changed in 2024.
According to a report from Calciomercato.com, the Rossoneri hierarchy almost pulled the plug on Pioli’s time in charge of the club when form had reached a new low and a place in the title race disappeared.
There had been a number of poor results that led to this thought process, but the one that saw Pioli come closest to losing his job was the 2-2 draw in Salerno against Salernitana.
The report claims that he was ‘practically sacked’ after that match, considering the Granata were bottom of the table and still are today.
Various leads were explored to find a new coach, such as Roberto De Zerbi, Antonio Conte, Thiago Motta and Julen Lopetegui, and those names are all still being linked with the job despite Pioli digging himself out of the hole.
Milan are playing well and winning games, and Pioli can still earn the right to coach the team next season. He needs to ensure that Milan finish the Serie A season no lower than third, but second is a clear possibility now.
As well as that, there has to be a strong showing in the Europa League given Milan are one of the main contenders to win it. All Milan can do now is keep winning and hope other teams don’t.
