Scaroni: ‘Always said Pioli staying at Milan’

Milan President Paolo Scaroni reassures Stefano Pioli will remain on the bench next season. ‘We are very fond of him.’

The tactician was under pressure after crashing out of the Champions League in the group phase and exiting the Coppa Italia to Atalanta.

However, recent results have seen him climb up the standings and a win away to Fiorentina this evening could put the team six points clear of third-placed Juventus.

“I always said that Pioli will stay,” assured Scaroni on Sky Sport Italia.

“I like coaches who win, and seeing as we are doing well, I like Pioli. He is a fantastic person and we are very fond of him. I hope he is also fond of us.”

There have been many reports about coaches who are being approached to replace Pioli next season, including Antonio Conte, Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton and Bologna boss Thiago Motta.

Milan are in the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will go into an all-Italian showdown with fellow Serie A side Roma.

Meanwhile, Scaroni was also asked about the investigation from the Italian financial police into the takeover of the club, with allegations Elliott Management still effectively run the side rather than RedBird.

“We have not heard any news for two weeks, these things take time, but everyone feels calm and that’s what matters. I feared this investigation could negatively impact the squad, but it was not the case.”