Pioli’s time is up but blame for Milan’s collapse must be shared

Stefano Pioli is likely to be the one who falls on the sword after a disappointing campaign on all fronts for AC Milan, but the blame extends beyond just him.

La Gazzetta dello Sport write that Pioli has tried everything to salvage the season. He hammered on the need to grow in defensive attention, he prepared a new tactical structure for the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico, he led the pre-match huddle and he trusted his leaders.

Instead of reviving Milan, they remains flatlined like at San Siro in the first leg. Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez were still quiet, Olivier Giroud impalpable, the defence was all at sea and the team generally failed on second balls.

It  must be acknowledged that Pioli’s Milan no longer exists, not because the players are playing against him or because the coach has suddenly become totally incapable, but because there are cycles which must end.

Even if everyone continues to put Pioli in the docks, the blame for the debacle must be shared among all the components. Pioli remains one of the best Italian coaches and will be remembered as one of the best in Milan’s history.