AC Milan face Juventus in Turin on Saturday, and after Sergio Conceicao’s press conference, we can take a look at how the team may line up.
The big news from the head coach’s words is that Milan will be without Christian Pulisic, and with Samuel Chukwueze out injured, the only real replacement is Alex Jimenez. Milan News‘ most recent report suggests it will be the Spaniard on the wing, rather than any other alternatives.
In midfield, the head coach also stated that Bennacer and Fofana would start as the ‘double pivot’ which insinuates towards a 4-4-2, or a 4-2-3-1, rather than a 4-3-3, per se.
This could mean that Reijnders is tried on the left, perhaps, in a role like how Fede Valverde played in Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-4-2 system with Real Madrid previously. However, this is an idea based on the double pivot suggestion, rather than the definite.
Defensively, there will also be a change. In defence, Matteo Gabbia will return after Malick Thiaw’s injury. It will be his first start under Conceicao, and considering how he has previously taken opportunities, it may be the start of something good.
Barring that, the team should remain unchanged as the Rossoneri face arguably the biggest game for Conceicao yet.
Thiaw’s injury might be a blessing in disguise. If i recall correctly, we had a pretty good run defensively when we paired Gabbia and Tomori. Much like when Tomori was with Kjaer.
You are right
When was that? Because our best defensive run happened in the 6 matches before the supercoppa when we kept four clean sheets out of six and that was Gabbia-Thiaw. In fact, up to the supercoppa we had the 5th best defense in the league and most of the Fonseca games were Thiaw-Gabbia.
What the coach has said about Fofana and Bennacer starting barely indicates a change in formation. The two have played together before and always in a 433 with Reijnders joining in midfield.
I believe it would be kind of a 421 with the Dutchman slightly ahead of the two. Well that’s how they’ve been positioned even when the formation has been called 433.
Considering the whole interview, Conceicao has also said something like the team not built for 442 and that it’s been more a 424 whenever he plays with 2 center forwards.
I don’t think tomorrow will be a 442 (or 424 as described by Conceicao)
Come on coach, we should be the first team to beat Juve di Merda this serie a season..break their Draw Record..
I’m already beginning to have my doubts about Conceicao. I like the grinta the comeback wins and all that, but I fear the effect of trying to force this 4-4-2 on a squad that clearly not built for it. I don’t have anything against the 4-4-2 per se, or think that Conceicao isn’t a good coach, but it seems that since Redbird took over we’re always trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Why can’t we just hire the right manager who ALSO employs a formation that doesn’t require a bunch of new signings or require a bunch of players to play out of position? Why can’t we just get the players we NEED instead of some rando in a position that isn’t an immediate need?
I was thinking same when he came. But after few matches, it looks like players has more desire to make a difference in match. It’s not about the comeback wins , but for now Conceicao looks like Portuguese Conte for me . I think we don’t have a players for 4-2-3-1 but 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 . Really hope for reinforcement, he deserved it and definitely he can change our season. Yea we are out of the scudetto race, but still can fight for UCL spot . With him I have more confidence then with Fonseca with all respect
Hail conceicao but I suggest benercer to play as attacking midfielder because he has the experience while Reijnder should play double pivot because Reijnder is not sending the passes to the wing and he is not moving the ball as attacker.
And tomori should not be our defence we need Gabbia and thiaw they can get the job done
Well at least Musah will be there to cover Emersons useless ass