AC Milan coach Pioli happy to be 'the normal one' | OneFootball

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli is eager to play down his influence on the team's success.

Pioli has Milan top of the table heading into the winter recess.

“It's pleasing, if by 'normal' you mean someone who wants to improve and grow all the time. I am fortunate in that I work in football, first as a player and then a coach, which is what I always dreamed of," Pioli told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“However, that doesn't mean I don't have character or determination. In football, too often people confuse politeness and respect with a lack of charisma. I get angry plenty of times too, although less so at Milan at the moment. I'm a different man behind the wheel, for example…

“I like to be direct and honest, but sometimes as a coach you have to turn the other cheek for the good of the team. There's a delicate balance in a squad and you have to weigh the risks and benefits of taking a certain approach. The thing that really infuriates me is when someone doesn't work hard enough to reach their full potential."