Milan assistant manager Bonera: Giampaolo didn’t get the time he would’ve needed

Milan assistant manager Daniele Bonera feels Marco Giampaolo “didn’t get the time he needed” and discussed changes under Stefano Pioli.

The former defender returned to Milanello as an assistant manager in June, going back to the club where he was a defender from 2006 to 2015.

This means he worked under both Giampaolo and his replacement Pioli during this tempestuous campaign.

“Over just a few months, we’ve had two different coaches with different working methods, tactical approaches and ideas of defending,” Bonera told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“With Giampaolo there was more focus on the ball, whereas Pioli is more practical and works on the positioning of the players.

“Every coach has his own methods, but Giampaolo didn’t get the time he would’ve needed to develop his ideas. Then again, at a club like Milan, you’re never going to get much time. Pioli’s work is difficult to evaluate after just a month in charge."

There are reports of a potential exodus of talent next summer, starting with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

“As a fan and someone in love with Milan, I’d advise him to stay with us,” continued Bonera. “He has staff and family to counsel him, though.

“I see the players working hard and many are really very young. I wouldn’t talk about unhappy players, it’s not like Milan is a prison. It’s a good place to work, even if the results are not positive right now.

“We do need to increase our concentration levels, especially towards the end of games. I’ve never seen one of these lads hold back when called upon to work hard.

“This Milan side needs patience, although I know that is rare in football, but we’re trying our best, day by day.”

Bonera was asked why he decided to return to San Siro after ending his playing career in Spain with Villarreal.

“Because it’s Milan. The bond I had with this club made it difficult to refuse.”