Milan returned to Europa League matches against Slavia Prague tonight, and the competition became the first goal to save a season that threatens to be forgotten.
As reported by Tuttosport (via MilanNews), Stefano Pioli also knows his future is at stake as ending the year with a European title could be enough for him to keep his job as head coach.
The aim for Pioli's side this evening must be to exploit home advantage and put the Czech team on the line, trying to win the first leg by a margin that could allow them to face the trip to Prague next week with less anxiety.
Slavia are a dangerous opponent, and this year they have already beaten Roma, last year's runner-up, in the group stage. If Milan can replicate Rennes' process, the Rossoneri can focus on the league and more specifically attacking second-placed Juventus.
However, the Europa League, and more broadly the conclusion of this season, will also be a good test for Pioli and his future. The management realizes that to convince the club to keep him, winning the championship is not only a good card to play, but perhaps the only card.
However, in order not to spoil the atmosphere around the team, Pioli did not show much interest in these rumors when asked about them in his pre-match press conference.
“Judgments have to be made at the end of the season, and everyone will come to their own conclusions,” he said. Beating Slavia is one thing, but Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool are a whole other beast.
