“Having fun is fundamental. That’s a thing that we look for. We try to be as serious as possible, committed and professional. But football is passion, enjoyment. When you train lads who are very young, you need them to put their enthusiasm on the pitch.”
More than anything else, this mantra underpins the philosophy of Stefano Pioli – the man who is behind AC Milan’s current resurgence.
When Nicky Bandini, during an interview for The Guardian last month, asked about the smile on the face of Milan’s 22-year-old Portugal forward Rafael Leao as he runs at defenders, Pioli’s answer was instructive.
“At the beginning, it worried me a little. Later I realised that this really was something that just comes out while he is playing, simply what his face does. Then it was beautiful. It’s beautiful to be yourself.”
All of this came together in the most glorious fashion for Milan supporters on Saturday, with the Rossoneri coming from behind to beat Internazionale and reignite their title challenge.
Read the full article on Milan’s resurgence here.
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