For months now, speculation has linked Ralf Rangnick with a role at Milan ahead of next season, but as of yet nothing has been made official by the club.
It seems there is a daily update on his transfer shortlist and who he might look to sign even though he hasn’t even got the job himself yet, with Sky Sport Italia staying true to form on Tuesday with three more names being linked with the Rossoneri as part of Rangnick’s revolution if he is appointed as coach.
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While that in itself will complicate Pioli’s job given there is endless speculation over his future and a potential exit this summer which creates doubt in the players minds’ too, the fact that he is now having to put up with questions on Rangnick after every game is incredibly disrespectful.
As noted by MilanNews, he was asked again following the win over Lecce on Monday, to which he responded: “I am not interested in what is being said. I am happy with the team, I worked from the start with passion and competence, then the future will be decided at the end of the season.”
While results haven’t always gone in his favour, the 54-year-old has done a commendable job on and off the pitch since he was appointed given the circumstances in which he arrived following the dismissal of Marco Giampaolo.
He has brought a sense of calmness, has steadied the ship and has Milan playing some good football while getting the best out of certain individuals to help with their progression as he’s worked with a young squad this year.
Pioli deserves credit for the job he’s done at the club this season, and it’s hoped that he is rewarded in some form by being able to secure European qualification before he potentially has to walk away, which will be a significant achievement in itself given we have consistently been battling to close the gap and stay in contention all year.
That said, having to put up with questions on Rangnick after games is a real show of disrespect towards the veteran Italian tactician, and it isn’t something that he should have to be addressing, especially after an impressive 4-1 win.
The way in which the management have handled it has arguably allowed this situation to present itself with Zvonimir Boban’s exit in mind, and it needs CEO Ivan Gazidis to stand up and either confirm that changes will be made this summer or to tell the media in no uncertain terms that there is no agreement with Rangnick and the matter will not be discussed until the current season is over.
Whichever route is taken, it will offer clarity to all concerned and arguably allow us to complete the campaign without distractions, while it will give Pioli some respite from having to read constant rumours and answer questions as he continues to show his class and commitment by remaining focused on the task in hand and prioritising the team and Milan’s objectives this season.
All while reading about and being asked about a man who may or may not take his job this summer.