AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli apologises to Man Utd after row with coach Kieran McKenna
AC MILAN boss Stefano Pioli has apologised to Manchester United after a row with coach Kieran McKenna. The Italian boss got into an argument with McKenna as his side was beaten in the Europa League on Thursday night. Tensions threatened to boil over following the full-time whistle after a comment made by McKenna, with Pioli […]
AC MILAN boss Stefano Pioli has apologised to Manchester United after a row with coach Kieran McKenna.
The Italian boss got into an argument with McKenna as his side was beaten in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Tensions threatened to boil over following the full-time whistle after a comment made by McKenna, with Pioli also annoyed by his perceived time wasting.
According to Italian media, 34-year-old McKenna told Pioli “good team,” with the ex-Fiorentina gaffer taking offence at what he said.
Corriere dello Sport report that Pioli responded: “Good team my a***.
“You are nothing but an a******. Your sister has a good team.”
But speaking on Friday to Italian news agency ANSA, Pioli apologised for his words.
He said: “I’m sorry for the reaction I had, it won’t happen again.
“I congratulated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. I was angry with his assistant.”
Milan sources also say that the phrase ‘your sister’ was used as a figure of speech and not as any kind of personal attack on McKenna or his family.
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Pioli had addressed his frustration that Milan crashed out of Europe despite having the ascendancy going into the second leg.
The Rossoneri scored a vital away goal at Old Trafford last week as they snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw, but they couldn’t get on the score sheet on their own patch.
Milan’s season is starting to falter as they trail Serie A leaders Inter by nine points after Sunday’s defeat to Napoli.
Speaking after Thursday’s result, Pioli stated: “It’s an elimination that really disappoints us, because over the two legs we played like a great team and should’ve scored in the first half.
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“It’s a pity, we did so much to get here and the team deserved to continue, but we had to give it a little bit more. I don’t think we deserved to go out.
“We are talking about a Manchester United side that reached the Europa League semi-final last season, that was in the Champions league group phase this term and two weeks ago beat Manchester City 2-0.
“Over the two legs, we did so much right, but the two goals we conceded were more down to our own errors than their credit, that’s what is disappointing.
“It becomes difficult for me to reproach my lads after two performances with heart, spirit, determination, courage and quality.
“Now we have to get right back on track in Serie A.”