During today’s appointment with L’Editoriale, Xavier Jacobelli spoke on the frequencies of TMW Radio. These are his words:
Does Milan’s success yesterday certify the return to high levels of Pioli’s team?
“Second win in a row after the one against Turin, but this success is very important because Milan had been missing from a round of 16 in the Champions League for ten years. All the players fielded by Pioli played at their best, obtaining an absolutely deserved success. There will be a return on March 8 but the Rossoneri will certainly arrive there with confidence after a great match. It was a great Milan. Pioli’s tactical choices made up for Milan’s difficulties in this period, many criticisms rained down on him but he was able to rebuild a rearguard and a defensive phase that had been the key to last year. Thiaw emerged yesterday, he made an important test as well as the spirit of sacrifice of Giroud and Leao, all surrounded by an extraordinary crowd. The collection record was also recorded for a game played in Italy, over 9 million euros.
Has there been too much haste in judging Pioli’s work in recent weeks?
“Pioli won the Scudetto no later than 9 months ago, he qualified for the Champions League for two years after an absence that lasted for seven years. There is this haste in launching judgments which is absolutely wrong, at Milan we are seeing the true value of the club. Maldini is also taking his revenge, Thiaw is one of the examples of what we were saying, namely that these young players need time. Also on De Ketelaere, Pioli clarified yesterday by making the comparison with Leao and Tonali’s first year in the Rossoneri. Time is needed, insertion cannot be instantaneous. Pioli was patient and now on Saturday he will face the only unbeaten team in 2023 in Serie A, namely Palladino’s Monza. It will still take some time to get out of the difficulties, but we had good answers from Leao, Diaz and the defensive phase, including Tatarusanu who transmitted security to the whole rearguard. It is right to throw a spear in favor of the Rossoneri goalkeeper, he has received a lot of criticism, some even ungenerous and he is proving to be a great professional.”
