AC Milan have confirmed head coach Stefano Pioli has signed a contract extension with the club.
Pioli has extended his stay until the end of June 2023, with the option of a further year.
AC Milan Extend Stefano Pioli Contract
Official Statement: Stefano Pioli ➡ https://t.co/g0TMtS6gs9
Comunicato Ufficiale: Stefano Pioli ➡ https://t.co/3wxoNF6kVO #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/04vW29N8vY
— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 26, 2021
Guiding AC Milan Back to the Top
Pioli was appointed in October 2019, initially on a deal until the end of the season, later signing a new two-year deal after an impressive run of form in Serie A.
Last season, Pioli secured AC Milan’s return to Champions League football for the first time in seven seasons. After the five matchdays, they are in with a fighting chance of qualifying for the last 16.
The Italian coach has put AC Milan back on the map after years of disappointment for the club and its fans. They are back thereabouts at the top of Italian football and making their play in Europe too.
Milan currently sit joint top with Napoli and only recently lost their unbeaten run in the league – losing 4-3 to Fiorentina on November 20.
Pioli has managed numerous injury problems this campaign, making his efforts to keep Milan at the top even more impressive.
Looking to Make AC Milan More and More Competitive
Upon signing his new contract, Pioli told acmilan.com: “I want to thank the club for having given me the chance to coach a competitive team and one that is replete with great values, which must never go missing and which make AC Milan special.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done until now, with the good relationship I have with the management, with the growth of my players and with the passion displayed by everyone working at this incredible club.
“Our fans are extraordinary and I hope to return their affection by making AC Milan more and more competitive.”
Milan are third in their Champions League group and face Liverpool on matchday six in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter at San Siro.
AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis added: “I am happy to be continuing down this path at our club alongside Stefano. Here at AC Milan, not only the results that we achieve are important, but also the way in which we achieve them. Stefano exemplifies the exciting, innovative approach to modern football that we want and he embodies the style and values of this club, in the way in which he represents us publicly and for the attention he pays to everyone here.
“I am proud that Stefano Pioli is our coach and I’m excited to face the future together.”
Pioli is yet to win a trophy at the club but everything suggests they are working towards that achievement. The former Fiorentina defender also had a spell with Inter in 2016/17, though despite a good start, was eventually sacked.
Milan’s technical director Paolo Maldini said; “Stefano is – due to his professional competence and for his temperament and personality – our ideal head coach. He has completely bought into the values and strategy of our club; his leadership has created a cohesive atmosphere for big ambition. The aim is to continue the journey we’ve begun and attain better and better results.”
Pioli has led AC Milan in 106 games, winning 59 of those, drawing 27 and losing 20. He continues to get the best out of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 40, who has scored five goals in seven league games this season.
Milan host Sassuolo on Sunday, November 28, before a midweek trip to Andriy Shevchenko’s Genoa. Shevchenko fell short on his club management debut – losing 2-0 to Jose Mourinho’s Roma having held them for a long time.
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