Sacchi insists Milan should not sack Pioli

Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi feels the Rossoneri should not sack Stefano Pioli unless they can hire a top coach this summer.

Pioli is under contract with Milan until June 2025, but the Rossoneri are expected to sack the Parma-born tactician at the end of the season.

Several names have been linked to the job at the Stadio Meazza, and the latest reports suggest Julen Lopetegui will not be the chosen one.

However, Sacchi feels the Serie A giants should not necessarily sack their coach.

“I’ve read the names of Lopetegui, Fonseca, Galtier, Gallardo, Tedesco, Van Bommel and De Zerbi. Coaches that I know and who I really respect,” the ex-Italy and Milan boss told Gazzetta.

“However, aside from their experience, one fundamental aspect is not being considered.

“If a foreign player takes time to settle into Italian football, for a coach, it’s even more difficult. A coach needs at least two seasons to understand how it’s made. I am saying this regardless of the value of the coaches mentioned. Whoever arrives will need time to adapt to a different culture.”

Sacchi insists Milan should not sack Pioli

The consequence is quite simple.

“Why don’t they keep Pioli? I believe his experience at Milan is positive, after all. He won a title and, in that case, he surprised everyone and played entertaining football. If all goes well, he will finish second this season. It means that only Inter were better.

“I have one question too. Who did choose the new players [last summer]? Pioli or the directors? If they were the directors, then responsibility must be shared,” continued the 78-year-old.

“I believe Pioli deserves respect for all he gave to Milan and how he behaved. I feel his stay would not be a plan B. On the contrary, he is a coach who understands how to improve with time. He made errors too, it’s true. But to err is human. Furthermore, he is an honest person who has had the humility to put himself under question and admit his errors.”

So, what would Sacchi do?

“First, I’ll consider keeping Pioli, and then I’ll have a second option: hire a top coach,” he replied.

“Klopp, Ancelotti, Guardiola, and Conte are among the best, but I don’t think they’ll be available for Milan.”

Sacchi explains Milan options to replace Pioli

Sacchi sees a third option too.

“Pick an emerging coach who has already proved his worth,” he said.

“I think De Zerbi has been mentioned too, and I think he’d be a coach who could do well. He has important experiences, also on a human level, which have favoured his maturation.

“I think about the time he spent in Ukraine, then he went to England, in the most fascinating league in the world. He knows Serie A well. He was good at improving his players. Another thing that should not be underestimated is that he gives his teams an identity.”

Milan hired Pioli in October 2020 and went on to win the Serie A title in 2021-22. His Milan side also reached the Champions League semifinals last season, but the Rossoneri will finish a second consecutive trophyless campaign this month.