AC Milan may keep Pioli if he reaches 3 specific targets
AC Milan may end up confirming coach Stefano Pioli for next season claims Tuttosport under three specific conditions.
In a recent interview with Sky Sport, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who serves as senior advisor to RedBird but in fact is the most trusted man of owner Gerry Cardinale, was asked on what Stefano Pioli should do to earn his confirmation as AC Milan coach for next season. Ibrahimovic with a few words replied that: “Pioli must continue as he is doing, he is doing a good job and we are happy with him“.
Stefano Pioli is under contract with AC Milan until 2025 but he has constantly been under-fine this season and according to numerous reports he will be fired at the end of the current season to make room for a new manager. The Italian coach could be the one to pay for the Rossoneri’s underwhelming season this year. AC Milan have been unable to compete against Inter in Serie A, were knocked out of the Champions League group stage and eliminated from Coppa Italia by Atalanta.
However, Tuttosport reports that there is a real chance for Stefano Pioli to be confirmed as AC Milan coach for next season. The ownership has always backed him even in the most disappointing moments. The Italian newspaper writes that Stefano Pioli could stay in change of AC Milan if he hits three milestones.
The first and most important condition concerns Europa League. The minimal target is reaching the semi-final while Milan would love to win Europa League, a competition that is missing in their trophy cabinet. The Rossoneri are currently playing in the 1/8 finals having won the first leg 4-2 against Slavia Prague, albeit with a disappointing performance.
The second condition that Pioli must meet is to win the Derby della Madonnina. AC Milan lost the first leg against Inter with the disarming 5-1 result. A huge disappointment that was tough to swallow. The second round between AC Milan and Inter will be held in late April. The last target to meet is Champions League qualification for next season. The Rossoneri currently sit third in Serie A standings, just one point behind Juventus, and with a healthy advantage against Bologna, Roma, Atalanta and Napoli.
Despite the recent Tuttosport report AC Milan are expected to part ways with Stefano Pioli at the end of the season. Gerry Cardinale is currently in negotiations with PIF to sell AC Milan club but even the deal falls through Pioli should leave. Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to bring a more experienced name with Antonio Conte being his top choice. Thiago Motta, Palladino and Lopetegui have been linked with the Italian club as well.
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