Pioli insists Milan’s game with Sassuolo not about him

Stefano Pioli is a manager under pressure after AC Milan’s draw with bottom club Salernitana left it 11 points adrift of Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Published : Dec 29, 2023 23:12 IST - 2 MINS READ

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli.
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
infoIcon

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Stefano Pioli is a manager under pressure after AC Milan’s draw with bottom club Salernitana left it 11 points adrift of Serie A leaders Inter Milan, but he was adamant that their next game with Sassuolo is not “a do or die” situation for him.

Milan, also out of the Champions League, already look to be out of the title race after losing four matches this season.

While Italian media reported that defeat on Saturday could lead to his sacking, Pioli disagreed.

“We need a win. I expect a convincing performance,” Pioli told a press conference.

ACES POPULAR CHOICE AWARDS | VOTING OPEN NOW - Click here to vote!

“Tomorrow’s game isn’t about me, nor is it do or die, there’s still a long way to go in the season. Milan must win tomorrow because we need the points. We cannot expect to make up for everything tomorrow.”

Milan won the Serie A title with a 3-0 win at Sassuolo in 2022, but Pioli is also aware that his team have lost the last three meetings between the sides at the San Siro.

“We’ve studied Sassuolo, they are a side that builds from the back and creates chances. We need to be aware of (Domenico) Berardi and (Armand) Lauriente, in particular,” Pioli said.

“But they also concede a lot too, so we’ll have to take advantage of their frailties, especially in defence. Sassuolo have beaten Inter and Juventus, which means they know how to play certain games, and possess quality.”

Milan has struggled with injuries this season, which may go some way to explaining why they have been unable to put together a winning run to keep pace with the league leaders.

“Our flaw is that we haven’t had consistency. The new signings are strong players, but then it’s normal that it takes time to adapt to the Italian league,” the manager said.

“It’s not the best league, but it’s certainly the most complicated in terms of tactics and pressure.”

Milan is third in the standings, on 33 points after 17 games, seven behind Juventus in second and just two ahead of Bologna in fourth. Sassuolo is 15th with 16 points.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment