Massimiliano Allegri is still searching for a formula to get AC Milan out of a tough spell, with further experiments on the way.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Allegri will demand extra effort, fierce dedication in training and matches, and a focus exclusively on the pitch in the coming days at Milanello. However, he will also make some tactical tweaks to try and stop the tailspin his side seem to be in.
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Changes planned
Fikayo Tomori’s two yellow cards against Sassuolo mean that he will serve a one-game ban versus Atalanta on Sunday. Koni De Winter will return in Tomori’s role of right-sided centre-back, meaning Matteo Gabbia will remain in the middle and Strahinja Pavlovic on the left.
The main changes could be in midfield. Ardon Jashari failed to hold his own in terms of both ideas and physicality, overwhelmed by Kristian Thorstvedt for Sassuolo’s first goal. He still lacks the charisma and perhaps isn’t in the best of game rhythm either, so Max will have to rely on more mature players.
Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana certainly have broader shoulders. The former Monaco player could also take over as a regista, with his compatriot assured of a spot in the left central midfield role. On the right, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be brought in, with his athleticism and physicality.
On the flanks, everything is open. Davide Bartesaghi has looked tired and too often outpaced in recent matches, but he could come back in for the equally struggling Pervis Estupinan. Zachary Athekame, dynamic but imprecise last Sunday, threatens the usual starter Alexis Saelemaekers.
Milan have failed to score in five of their last seven Serie A matches, excluding the matches against Torino and Verona. On Sunday against Sassuolo, they had only one shot on target, a feat they’d matched in three other Serie A matches this season.
Rafael Leao, despite the criticism and his poor aim, seems the only untouchable. Christopher Nkunku also squandered his last chance, while Christian Pulisic remains impalpable. So, Santiago Gimenez will likely get the chance he feels he deserves, hoping to finally break that league duck.
Clowner
Yes, Fofana is going to play in the position he was bought for 1.5 years ago. The one where we now have 4 players for 1 position. Amazing!
So the plan to change things to stop the rot is:
– Swap out the suspended CB
– Bring the starting left wing-back back in
– See if RLC magically does a better job than Jashari
-Shake the bag of misfiring attackers and see which two fall out first.
Ok.
Like I have been saying, Alegri doesn’t have any system that the players can key into, he is just hoping players produce moments of magic game after game.
This is not a system or strategy and like we are seeing now, it’s not sustainable.
Exactly. And if it happens, people will be saying what a great manager he is. Last game the only real chance was due to a major mistake. This guy is taking ACM nowhere in the future.
Allegri’s last 15 Serie A matches in Juve:
Wins: 3
Draws: 7
Losses: 5
He’s doing it again. The other clubs figure out Allegri’s ideas by January and neutralize him completely. He can’t adapt or make changes and the other coaches know it. Time to retire.
I swear THIS TIME Leao will be back again and outplay everyone!
Or the match after this. Or the next after that. Some day. Surely. Maybe.
Lackluster play, no pressing when out of possession, no decisive and or creative play when in possession…i know a coach who can solve for this…Sarri. If the coach does not have ideas, get somebody else. And make no mistake i am eternally grateful for what Allegri achieved with this group, given where we were the last 2 seasons. But something else is needed to take us to the next level. Or change personnel and give the coach what he wants this summer.
Two seasons ago ACM finished in 2nd place. Inter had a ridiculous amount of points that year. It’s on the club that they didn’t build on that.
Even if we get UCL, Allegri needs to go. Outdated system will mean outdated players if he stays for more than one season. It’s bad for Italian football that Milan has a coach who plays negative football – Milan culturally has always had traditions for great football, and should be at the forefront to get new ideas into the league.
Young, foreign managers from Spain & Germany, like se have seen in the Premier League
I have been a Milan and Italy fan for 3 decades when I was in college. It has never been more frustating and painful to watch a game. I have respect for Alegri but he is surely not what Milan need but then I also don’t know who is that savior!
Never? So, the Muntari, Emmanuelson, Honda, Zapata, Constant years were better? lol. I get your point, Allegri is tough to watch. IMHO, 1-0s, stability and champions league is solid year 1 targets. But, to your point. year 2, this situation isnt going to cut it. Not with Fans, or management or players. Current approach has gotten us to this point, which is good, but unless we evolve, it wont get us where we need to be.
Well I don’t want to remember all those you mentioned, but you know what I mean. Allegri doesn’t completey allign with management’s viewpoint and nor does the management with the expectations of the fans!
Hey at least we had Mexes etc back then and you never knew when you’d see a spectacular overheadkick goal in the dying minutes. This team can’t produce sh1t.
I am glad Pulisic is not in the game plan. Get ready for the WC and a transfer. I still believe he had words with Allegri.
Is Jim Pulisic? you seems to know Pulisic’s plans
Do you think he stays? Be real. I’ve said as soon as they hired Allegri Pulisic didn’t fit. I hope he doesn’t waste his career playing Allegri ball. Leão is Allegri’s guy.
YOU know Leao s plan Olumighty… SELL…SELL …SELL LAZY LEAO . We had to play two men down last game !
Max has no clear patterns of progressive/offensive play. He plays not to lose with the team he inherited. He has always done so when the team wasn’t built to his requirements.
Brass won’t fully reinforce him next season either, so likely it will be the same football he has been playing next season too. We’re not getting anywhere…
I agree. I thought he was a great manager- sarcastic. A good manager gets the best out of his players. Has ACM improved during the season?
izgubio je dvije kritične lopte u prvih 10 min s milanom
ALLEGRI KEPALA BATU. POLA 3-5-2 itu tidak cocok untuk para pemain MILAN. PULISIC DAN LEO DI PAKSAKAN UNTUK MENJADI STRIKER
SUDAH JELAS MEREKA BERDUA ADALAH SAYAP SERANG. Semestinya ALLEGRI KEMBALI KE POLA 4-2-3-1. DIMANA PARA PEMAIN BINTANGNYA BERSINAR KEMBALI.
The foremost action should be selling Leao. He has zero respect for the red and black shirt.
Allegri’s defense minded style of football is too outdated. He plays players in very uncomfortable positions. He too must go.
We lost the opportunity of getting modern coaches like De Zerbi. We can go in for Frabrigas.