Christian Pulisic’s importance to AC Milan goes beyond saying. In the past 14 months, he has been pivotal for Stefano Pioli and now, Paulo Fonseca. However, this has come with its consequences.
This season, Pulisic has seven contributions in seven games for Milan. These figures are not new, though, and Milan have often looked to the American winger for influence with Rafael Leao struggling to find consistency.
There is a problem with the winger’s consistency, though. The Diavolo do not have an apt replacement if Pulisic were to be dropped for a game. Therefore, he has rarely been given chances to rest.
In fact, during Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-camp press conference, he stated that Pulisic must be rested by the Rossoneri because overloading minutes could damage him. However, Calciomercato.com reports that Fonseca will not be taking the Argentine coach’s advice, at least not literally.
Fonseca’s hands are tied behind his back in many ways because there is no proper replacement. Samuel Chukwueze has been poor for 14 months, and whilst Noah Okafor can play on the right, it is not his natural position.
So for this reason, the Portuguese head coach will manage his minutes within the game itself, according to the report. The last thing anyone needs is a Pulisic injury because of a schedule overload, and Fonseca must be careful.
It is unlikely that he will give him time away from the starting eleven, though, because ultimately, Fonseca does not have the luxury of replacing the American’s goals.
Maybe you should have give him rest over this break and not invite him to travel half-way across the entire planet and back? It would have been ideal, as Milan is the one paying him, not USA.
?? Poch graciously excused him from the Mexico friendly to return to Milan early.
Poch did limit him. He played 70 mins against Panama and was released back to Milan for the Mexico game. So, 70 mins of play over two weeks. Seems a pretty light load.
Take that to Moncada and his most expensive signing from last summer. Or better, straight to Gerry, Delaware is not that far.
I saw something yesterday with the amount he’s bringing to Milan and serie a with us stocks. Interest in Milan has risen by 50% and 25% to serie a from the USA. Something like that. No wonder they try to have musah involved too. He’s technically now the best midfielder Milan have had with his stats. Loftus must be pretty high too then with his ten goals last season lol. It’s just a matter of time that he gets a serious injury from being over played. I’m sure he has an incredible crew to help him though. My driving instructor told me about John mcginn the other week. With all the support crew he has with him to make sure he’s at his best. Dietitian, separate coach’s etc. Makes you wonder if leao has any.probably just some homies trying to work on his music and image off the pitch.
He should be rested against Udine. It’s time for Chukwueze to prove his point.
We all knew that there was no way you can expect to use the same eleven players for the entire season.
I personally think that Chukwueze is just low on confidence and with minutes he will get his groove back.
He needs our support, not our “glorious criticisms” on social media.