Ambrosini backs Pioli and names the key quality his replacement must have | OneFootball

Massimo Ambrosini has given his thoughts on AC Milan’s season so far and where he feels they are lacking, plus the news that they are likely to change coach in the summer.

Ambrosini is someone who knows what it takes to win at Milan having spent 18 years with the club, lifting several trophies and also captaining the side from 2009 to 2013 following the retirement of Paolo Maldini.

During his career he won Serie A four times, the Coppa Italia once, the Supercoppa Italiana twice, the Champions League twice, the UEFA Super Cup twice and the FIFA Club World Cup once.

The club he loves are currently going through a tough period having been knocked out of the Europa League by Roma and having lost the derby again. This has led to widespread reports Pioli will be sacked at the end of the season, but chaos has ensued regarding his replacement.

Ambrosini was a guest on DAZN and he offered his take on what has been a difficult campaign for Milan in terms of fighting for major objectives, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

“If they have chosen to change the coach, which seems obvious to me, they must choose someone who does not want to clash but to bring out the best from the strongest players they have,” he said.

“Milan have lacked a lot in the recent period in terms of leadership and personality. There are strong players on a technical level and a coach must be found who knows how to stimulate the best players in the right way.

“There are three of them and they are Leao, Maignan, Theo. They are the ones who could have done more in these last few games. The players can be seen in important matches, the three of them must be stimulated in the right way.

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“Pioli’s work was downgraded too quickly, Milan fans forgot too quickly what this gentleman did with this team. This cycle can be said to be over, perhaps because the stimulus that the coach was able to give to the team was not of the necessary level.

“Before the Europa League match, Milan were coming off seven consecutive victories, I have always defended Pioli’s work, admitting that Milan had a season that was too deficient in defence. There is no need for a revolution, the technical base is good and second but Milan must find Bennacer again, he is still the best of those they have.

“They will probably have to make a choice on the three valuable pieces, and the possible replacement of one of the three strong players would change the structure. In my opinion they must find two strikers, one starter and a reserve. They will lose Kjaer and Giroud, they have lost their soul over the years: Tonali, before Kessié.”