Stefano Pioli has revealed who he wants to win the World Cup and shared some reflections on his journey at AC Milan while collecting an award tonight.
Pioli received the Gentleman FairPlay 2021-22 Coach Award named after Gigi Simoni, and the prize was awarded to him thanks to the highest number of votes from the Serie B coaches, having ‘represented the values that have always distinguished Gigi Simoni, an undisputed lord of our football’.
Pioli was present at the event which was held at the Lega Serie A headquarters in Via Rosellini in Milano where he was accompanied by the president of Lega B Balata, the organiser Fasan, the manager CONI Riva and Leonardo Simoni, son of the former coach.
His comments from the event were relayed by MilanNews, starting with initial thoughts after being given the prestigious award.
“Winning the Scudetto has brought me and us many accolades. I am proud and honoured to receive this Award, because Gigi Simoni has always been a point of reference and I can only be pleased that someone thinks that I can have, even in the slightest part, these values,” he said.
What effect does it have on you having won the vote from Serie B coaches?
“When your colleagues recognise certain qualities and certain characteristics it is very gratifying, because they know the difficulties of our work.”
What do you remember of Gigi Simoni?
“As opponents we met only in Salernitana-Napoli. He was older, more experienced and more mature. I’ve always liked his style: consistent, respectful and polite with high-level football ideas.”
How do you convey these values?
“It was my parents who inculcated these values in me. Now I train a winning but young team and I know that young people don’t need lectures, but an example and I try to be an example of passion and reliability in my small way to make us be who we are.”
Who wins the World Cup?
“I support my players, so I hope for France. I speak with them after the games… I want to leave them as calm as possible, everyone is respecting this rule.”
