AC Milan’s chief scout Geoffrey Moncada was the one set in front of the media to speak ahead of tonight’s game against Udinese, and he touched on some interesting topics.
Milan face Udinese knowing that they need a win to restore a bit of confidence after losses against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain plus a draw against Napoli (from 2-0 up) in their last three games.
They face a team that are yet to win a league game this season, though they have drawn seven of their 10 games and often make it difficult for the Rossoneri, so it is certainly a game where a good performance is needed.
Stefano Pioli has decided to go with a 4-4-2 formation, at least on paper, with Luka Jovic partnering Olivier Giroud up front. Theo Hernandez misses out due to a bruised ankle, so Alessandro Florenzi will step in again.
Normally Milan send Giorgio Furlani or Paolo Scaroni in front of the cameras for the pre-match interviews, but tonight it was Moncada’s turn as he spoke to Sky, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
How is the mood at Milanello?
“We saw a concentrated group that works hard. They like being together, they have the same culture and mentality. They know what we have to do: we want to win.”
Jovic starts tonight…
“Forwards must score goals, they must play and have minutes. Today he plays, he has his moment: he is hungry and willing to work but he hasn’t started. He has opportunities to do well. He plays with Olivier Giroud and together they can do interesting things.”
Will a centre-back arrive in January?
“We work together with the coach to find the players we need. Now in November it is difficult to find someone and we have to wait a bit. But we have clear ideas and we know the strategy. I prefer to work patiently.”
