Milan coach Stefano Pioli doesn’t guarantee he will remain in charge beyond the summer and tells reporters to ‘be patient’ and wait for the end of the season.
Pioli is under fire following Milan’s elimination from the Europa League quarter-final at the hands of Roma.
Reports in Italy had claimed the Italian tactician would be fired at the end of the season if he failed to qualify for the semis.
Therefore, reporters asked him last night at a post-match press conference what Milan’s loss against Roma meant for his future.
Pioli refuses to rule out Milan exit
“Be patient and wait for the end of the season. At that point, the club and I will discuss it,” the Parma-born coach replied, as quoted by Milannews.
“Assessments must be made at the end of the season even if results in Europe were worse than last term,” admitted Pioli.
“We still have the league, where we can do much better than last season.”
Milan meet Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Monday and must avoid defeat to prevent them from mathematically winning the title.
“We must change many things in the derby,” admitted Pioli.
“If we play as we did tonight [last night], we’ll surely have no chances. I think the guys are aware of it.”
Pioli’s Milan contract expires in June 2025. The Rossoneri currently sit second in the Serie A table, 14 points below their city rivals.
I think his Milan goose is cooked, whether he likes it or not. They have a good squad this season and have played well occasionally; but they’ve been inexplicably terrible in nearly every big match.
If he is in charge for the derby, I expect a 6-0 drubbing.
It’s time, Stefano. It’s been 5 years… Milan is ready for the next chapter. Thank you for the Scudetto and for guiding us out of the banter era darkness and into the light. But for Milan to really hit next level, we will need a next level coach.