Furlani does not deny Milan talks with Lopetegui | OneFootball

Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani hits back at ‘irritating’ speculation on Stefano Pioli and Rafael Leao, but also does not deny he spoke to Julen Lopetegui.

The Rossoneri held out in a 0-0 draw at the Allianz Juventus Stadium this evening, maintaining the five-point cushion for second place in the Serie A standings.

Furlani was spotted in the stands during the match, laughing and joking with club consultant Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and then spoke to DAZN about plans for next season.

Rafael Leao was the captain today, as the player with the most appearances in the starting XI, but has been under fire for his sluggish performances in the really important games.

“Rafa is a Milan player, he has a long contract and he wants to remain at Milan. Therefore he will remain,” said Furlani.

The biggest speculation is around the coach, as many assume Pioli will be sacked and the list of names for potential replacements goes into the dozens, with Julen Lopetegui the favourite.

“We have a coach, his name is Stefano Pioli. We are focused on ending the season well. It did not go the way we hoped, as we are Milan and always want to win. There are a lot of rumours flying around, we just want to focus and all this talk is irritating. The players said it too, enough is enough, we just want to focus on playing football, winning games and staying in second place.”

So does Furlani deny he held talks with Lopetegui?

“Look, dozens of names have been mentioned in the media. We are already planning the future on the transfer market, we want to reinforce the squad. This year we did not win, but that is the objective. That is what we are working on.”

Furlani bows to Ibrahimovic

It has been suggested that Ibrahimovic will have a pivotal role in deciding the next coach of Milan, having been hired by owner Gerry Cardinale as an ‘advisor’ mid-season.

“Zlatan was a champion on the field and is proving himself just as good off it,” added Furlani.

“He is an intelligent, curious person who brings a great deal of experience, many years at many clubs in many different countries. His ideas and opinions are fundamental in the decisions that regard the future of the club.”

Does Furlani have a message for the Milan supporters who have been protesting at what they see as a lack of ambition?

“The fans always supported us, they are the best in the world, we are fortunate and grateful to have them. If they are not satisfied, it is because they are just as ambitious as the club. We must do better to achieve the targets that they and we all want.”