AC Milan have confirmed Stefano Pioli has signed a contract extension until June 2025, and it’s a deserved reward after the job he has done thus far.
As per the club’s statement, Pioli has now extended his stay with the Rossoneri, with emphasis put on the shared vision for the project currently in place.
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It seems so long ago now when he was appointed in October 2019, but the general reaction to that decision from most supporters and pundits alike will never be forgotten as many fairly questioned whether he was the right man for the job at that time, albeit some went further with instant judgements.
However, as he firstly steadily guided us back into the Champions League before ending our wait for another Serie A title last season, this journey with Pioli at the helm has been both memorable and successful for the most part and he deserves an extension – and thus the opportunity – to continue to take this project forward in the long term.
From the fundamentals and principles that he has instilled in this squad, to the system and foundation put in place to the development and improvement of the players at his disposal to make it all work. The importance of Pioli’s influence and work with this squad has been pivotal in our ongoing progression, and his PPG being the highest of any long-term Milan coach in the three-point era attests to that.
After various disappointments and coaching changes, we have an identity, a style of play, a system that works and have developed a winning habit under Pioli’s stewardship. Of course it can still improve, as can he in terms of his coaching and decision-making, but this has been a solid tenure to date.
Pioli will face ongoing test
That said, the decision to reward him and show faith through a contract extension is largely down to the belief that he can oversee continuous improvement and that the Milan management envisage him being capable of taking this on to even higher levels.
Can he lead us to a successful defence of our Serie A title? Can he take us into the knockout stage of the Champions League and show we’re becoming increasingly competitive in Europe again?
These are the big questions facing Pioli this season, and while there might have been setbacks and bumps in the road along the way thus far, there is still plenty of belief and confidence that we’re very much in the hunt to meet those objectives.
Nevertheless, whether it was the loss to Torino on Sunday or the disappointment of our head-to-head with Chelsea in the group stage of the Champions League this month, there is evidently still big scope for improvement.
Pioli though has shown at various stages of his tenure that he learns, adapts and coaches these players up, and that is a hallmark of his work and success.
It’s hoped that we’re still reaping the rewards of his hard work come 2025, and that we’re still competing for major honours year in and year out and ultimately winning silverware. Pioli has earned his new deal, has proven to be a great match for Milan and Milan for him, but he’ll know better than anyone that he must now continue to guide us on a successful path and meet even loftier heights.
