Olivier Giroud’s drought without a goal from open play continues, and a report has suggested it might be time to give Noah Okafor the starting spot.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
MilanNews focuses on Giroud’s situation the day after the frustrating 0-0 draw against Dortmund in which he was one of the culprits of the chances missed to open the scoring.
It goes without saying that the Frenchman is a winner and he is one of the leaders of the dressing room, but precisely by virtue of the great expectations that are nurtured around him, but unfortunately age waits for nobody.
At 37 years old and with difficult games against Newcastle United and Dortmund in the Champions League to reflect on, it has become clear that Giroud needs to arrive 100% rested for the biggest games.
Milan tried to sign a starter-level centre-forward in the summer such as Mehdi Taremi, but had to fall back on Luka Jovic who arrived in less than optimal physical condition.
However, Noah Okafor also arrived during the summer, who is improving in condition and in matches like last night’s – where a high pace is needed – he could be a resource that is more useful than Giroud.
At Milanello they are convinced that the former Salzburg player can grow a lot in the role of striker, but to do so he will need continuity and to play some Serie A matches as the starter.
The day after tomorrow it will be his turn to lead the line against Genoa, but it is after the break that Pioli will have to make some potentially tough choices to balance the fixtures.
In essence, the coach will be called upon to alternate between Giroud and Okafor even in important matches because the former can no longer handle two ‘high intensity’ games in succession, while the Swiss forward needs to add to his wealth of experience matches of the highest caliber to be able to grow further.
