With the news of Massimiliano Allegri’s return to AC Milan, the next steps are to decide who will be staying for the new era.
Allegri is not new to being linked with a move back to Milan. In fact, the Italian’s name has been regularly linked on the past two occasions of the Rossoneri searching for a head coach. However, no move ever occurred.
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Instead, the club opted for Paulo Fonseca, and then Sergio Conceicao. This did not stop the former Juventus man from making plans, though. As Calciomercato.com reports, the head coach made plans in January for the squad, and his ideas are already there to study.
It starts with Rafael Leao, who will be a key part of his squad, in a role much like Paulo Dybala – think how he was to Gonzalo Higuain or even the winger’s Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Then, another star will be saved in the form of Mike Maignan, whose future has seemed to be heading away from the Diavolo. Finally, Youssouf Fofana would be a ‘balancer’.
Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers could also play important roles in his 4-2-3-1 system, whilst the names of Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic, who are both seen as pillars, are more likely to feature than Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw.
In fact, in terms of possible outgoings, it starts with Thiaw, who is ‘always heading towards an exit’. Theo Hernandez, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze could also be due to leave this summer, though further assessments will be needed.
Tijjani Reijnders, hypothetically, would be ‘fundamental’ for the Italian. However, he has regularly reaffirmed that he works on the wishes of the club. If the Dutchman needs to leave, then he will seek the best possible replacement.
The Dutchman doesn’t “need” to leave but as he’s just been named best midfielder in the league I guess management sense it’s time for him to go… 😵💫
No he doesnt. But he is going to because the management refused to invest. So now because of their lack of ambition, they have to sell a player. Its funny how that works.
Thing is, that should be fine. It shouldn’t be the end of the world to sell a player to Man City and make above market rate on them. Well run teams do that all the time. The problem is that none of us trust the club to reinvest that money wisely.
Agree that management probably wont reinvest properly but also City or Madrid or whoever can usually afford to sell a key player because they’re not on their knees like Milan… They can easily slot someone else into an already well-oiled machine.. We on the other hand should be building the squad around our best players not flogging them off to the highest bidder..
I completely agree. But I feel more comfortable with Tare doing it than the idiots above him.
Absolutely agree they made the mistake and are essentially refusing to take responsibility
Agree. That’s how to build a ”strong” team just for owner profit.🤨
The thing is though that Allegri likes a physical midfield and imposing defense, none of which we have. He can probably do without Reijnders unfortunately and utilize Puli/Leao differently to compensate.
Losing Reijnders isn’t the worst thing if Tare properly reinvests the money into the squad to address areas of need. But I do hope there’s a place for Reijnders under Max.
True. Still remember clear as day when Pirlo was moved to the mezalla position as he prefer Van Bommel in the regista position. If we’ll play with the usual 4231, then the likes of Fofana, Musah, RLC, will dominate our midfield.
It has been said he WANTS to leave. He’s already said goodbyes to other players and Milanello staff. Even before Milan have started the negotiations or received an offer. So let’s not pretend he’s been pushed out.
While i do like Gabbia, but keeping him and Pavlovic, it would be enjoyable for oppositions having training cones running past
Without a squad overhaul I think continuing with a 3-4-3 would be good. There are no good fullbacks on this squad. Milan would need to invest in two FBs at least to get the best out of a 4231. Finally if the plan is to play a 4231 then I’m more ok with letting Tijji go, for 80M+ I don’t think he’s ever been great in the double pivot.
Sell Reijnders, and Theo bring in Ricci, and choose a left back with some defensive chops. The Ricci Fofana pairing offers much more defensive muscle. Move Pulisic to the 10, and then Laeo on the left doesn’t kill you tactically when he does not work as hard off the ball.
I am still in favor of keeping Chuck as a SuperSub, especially if Pulisic plays in the middle.
I can see growth in Chuwueze game recently. Now is the time to keep him.
He is decisive now and he will give important contributions next season.
Then we can even sell with good capital gain.
I’m sorry but I think it’s time to cash in on leao. He simply does not contribute enough to the team. We need players who have a willingness to fight and track back, not just play for their own highlight reel. Leao has it in his mind he can just act like he’s mbappe, even tho funny enough even mbappe isnt getting away with the lazy anymore. Leao either needs to do a complete 180 on his weak mentality or he needs to find a new club. And to the brain devoid clowns who will try and say he carries the team once every 12 games, ill remind you thay mentality is why were here to begin with. Stop accepting mediocrity
Why on earth would Allegri go back to 4-2-3-1 over his preferred 3-5-2 when he saw first hand (as did everyone else) that Milan was much more defensively sound with a 3 man back line, that required less defensive capabilities from Hernandez and Jimenez?