Max Allegri’s decision to take off Christian Pulisic with 15 minutes to go of Milan-Sassuolo immediately raised some doubts. Afterwards, the gaffer explained that it was tactical and had nothing to do with physical condition.
Pulisic was back from start earlier today, having been on the bench initially against Torino due to the flu. He looked a lot brighter, even if he didn’t get another brace, and even found the back of the net in the second half. However, the goal was incorrectly disallowed.
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In any case, in the 73rd minute, Allegri decided to take off the American in favour of Samuele Ricci, which subsequently meant Ruben Loftus-Cheek moved to the striker position. Four minutes later, Sassuolo scored the 2-2 equaliser.
All of a sudden, the Rossoneri could have used their star and many of the fans questioned Allegri’s decision to take him off instead of Christopher Nkunku or Loftus-Cheek. Given the whole flu situation on Monday, though, some pointed out that it perhaps had to do with physical condition.
During his press conference after the game (via MilanNews), however, Allegri confirmed that the decision to take off Pulisic was tactical and thus didn’t have anything to do with his physical status. A tactical move that perhaps didn’t prove so successful.
“Pulisic’s substitution was a tactical decision. At that moment, we needed to strengthen the midfield and get going again, so I decided to bring in an extra midfielder. Pulisic was returning from a week during which he lost weight and had a fever. But I’d say it was a tactical change,” he stated.
Tactical ? We lost two points with this “tactic”…
And that’s an undisputed fact. 100%.
Rubbish! You are not supposed to removed him at all. Had it been you got security goal then you do as you did
What cost us 2 points was Gabbie’s and Tomori’s defending. Tomori has given up goals in last two games. Unacceptable. Pulisic’s goal should have been allowed
Did you even watch the match at all. De winter was the one that couldn’t make down his man.
Gabbia wouldn’t allow the pass standing behind an opponent in that situation
You should watch the first Sassuolo goal if you think Gabbia wouldn’t allow the pass standing behind an opponent in that situation
He’s a stubborn fool, always was always will be
Best case scenario we get to 4 and he is gone in summer.
Unfortunately these owners are happy with mediocrity and have no ambition, so Allegri suits them to a T
Is this tactical? However, LEAO gets to play for 85 minutes or more, even when it’s evident that he’s the obvious player to be substituted.
I’m not suggesting that it’s solely about a player, although it does appear that way. Nevertheless, Allegri’s decisions sometimes warrant scrutiny.
Lack of squad depth is still a critical cause here. Having made the tactical choice to remove a forward for a midfielder. He takes off the least fit forward.
It backfires. He has 3 subs left and over 15 mins of play with stopage time. But the bench is bare and there are no bench forwards to react with.
Not saying Allegri made good choices here. But his options are very limited. 4 forwards and two are unavailable in several games now.
You’ve got to ask the question. Why when you start a season four forwards for two positions. 3 of which are actually wingers and not strikers.
Why was there not at least some young reserves forwards brought into the Futuro setup? In particular Centre Forwards. That could be called upon during injury/suspension emergency.
The only young forward who is supposed to move between the two teams is Balentien. Also a winger and also injured.
I can’t blame Allegri for wanting to protect Pulisic at that moment. His got another game in Saudi in 4 days. Plus another a few days later if successful v Napoli. With it looking like Pulisic and Nkunku are his only fit forwards. At best he might get Leao and Gimenez back for the bench. He doesn’t even appear to have youth forwards to call on. Just midfielders out of position. To complement wingers already playing out of position.
Eeeeeeeeexactly!!