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.