Spalletti full of praise for Pioli but adds: 'I won’t go into the internal dynamics'

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has heaped praise on Stefano Pioli, calling him an ‘excellent’ manager and also highlighting his ‘human qualities’ too.

Pioli and Spalletti have got to know each other well over the years and Milan met his Napoli side four times last season, twice in Serie A when both teams won a game, and in the Champions League quarter-finals in which the Rossoneri progressed.

Milan actually welcomed a special guest to Milanello for a training session that took place on 30 April as Spalletti came to watch Pioli’s team at work. It is part of a tour of clubs he is doing before the European Championships this summer.

Spalletti has now praised Pioli in an interview with Corriere della Sera in which he spoke about various topics related to the national team and preparation for the Euros in Germany. His comments were relayed by Radio Rossonera.

“Pioli is an excellent coach and above all a man with great human qualities, he has depth of feeling. He has done well for Milan in these three years. I won’t go into the internal dynamics,” he said.

“Napoli? Three coaching changes usually don’t happen even in five years. How can you assimilate so many things in just a few months from men who have different methods and characters.

“Players sometimes need to be comforted, convinced that they are strong. Just a little is enough to demotivate you. Young guys like Zirkzee, Kvara for example must be cultivated, defended and supported every day.”