AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has not ruled out the possibility of a formation change, and some possible ideas have emerged.
We wondered if it was also appropriate to think of a different form for Milan , given that the 4-2-3-1 requires a great deal of energy that the team is struggling to support at this moment. Is Pioli preparing a plan B at Milanello?
As MilanLive writes, in the press conference on the eve of the Milan-Red Star of the Europa League, the coach did not show any closure to a possible change in formation.
“The matches are different and can change both tactically and psychologically over 90 minutes. We must have a model and principles of the game that must make us start the game in a way, interpret it in the same way and carry it to the end,” he said.
“We must insist on this. Then we can also think about changing some position and some situation, we will be prepared to do so if we see that we encounter other difficulties.”
They look at four potential alternatives to the 4-2-3-1, with each one detailed below…
➤ 4-4-2: Ibrahimovic seems isolated at times, so putting a striker at his side could be a solution, such as Leao or Rebic. Calhanoglu would be at risk of losing his spot, unless he is lined up behind Ibra in more of a 4-4-1-1.
➤ 4-3-1-2: In this case the two strikers would remain, but with Calhanoglu in his place as a No.10 and a three-man midfield to bolster an area that has been overrun in recent games.
➤ 4-3-3: No attacking midfielder, but again a reinforced midfield and keeping wingers. Calhanoglu could act as a left winger or a mezzala, positions he may not like but in which he has played.
➤ 3-5-2: Playing with the three-man defence involves very different movements, but with a trio of central defenders in the team that have quality, it could work. Calabria and Saelemaekers can alternate on the right, while Theo Hernandez would have no problem playing wing-back. Calhanoglu could play as a mezzala or a playmaker in a 3-4-1-2.
The latter is the more radical solution, but we suggested earlier in the week that it is something very much worth considering.
