Whilst AC Milan were unable to avoid defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, Carlo Pellegatti has defended the performance, however, he has not defended some players…
Milan’s performance against Leverkusen is viewed in a much better light than some recent performances, even if the result was not what the Rossoneri wanted, or better yet, needed. It means that the Diavolo will likely be forced to settle for a position outside of the top eight.
However, for a team still in transition, this may not be the worst thing, as we have seen elimination from Europe be a catalyst for changes to be implemented, so perhaps an exit from the Champions League would not be the worst thing.
With that said, the Rossoneri still have at least six games to play in the tournament so it is important to not get ahead of ourselves.
Pellegatti, speaking on his YouTube channel, took stock of the performance in Germany, and his words have been relayed by Pianeta Milan.
“I defend Milan. Did anyone think they would come to Leverkusen who lost two games last year and dominate the game? Did you say not very brave at Real Madrid last year against City? The first half-hour of Maignan was superb.
“After the disallowed goal Milan raised their centre of gravity. Not just disappointed like when we lost to Liverpool. After Liverpool, they were desolate, yesterday absolutely not. Go and see Milan’s chances. I defend the performance. I came out angry. Leverkusen dropped after the goal, it’s a coincidence that Milan didn’t draw. I’m happy with the performance. But I’m worried about some things.
“Except for Pulisic, I don’t see nastiness under goal. Leao is another one who goes forward, sprints, but has no nastiness under goal. The same for Reijnders. So it becomes complicated and it is also complicated to coach.
“Leao often goes to the back, but then few times there is a goal. We need to train the movements of the strikers, it’s not possible. The Rossoneri, however, are growing and Fonseca has been coaching for two months.”
The guy has 0 defence skill. Most likely would be more suitable for playing for club like Barcelona.
Wouldn’t mind if they sell next summer should a decent offer come around.
Questions to Rossoneri fans
If Atlanta propose a straight swap for Leao and Lookman, would you be happy with that?
Will milan be better off with Lookman?
I certainly wouldn’t accept such deal because if we in fact wanted to offload Leao we could probably sell him and then buy Lookman and still have some pocket change left afterwards.
If it was a straight swap for Kvaratshkelia I would be much more inclined to do it.
I think there is no question. But Lookman is a slightly different player and should be used closer to the goal. If you use it as pure winger you don’t get the most of his finishing ability.
Lookman scored a HAT TRICK against this same Leverkeusen team in the Euro Cup Final, winning the game for Atalanta 3-0.
Did anybody pay any attention to that match?
How could any Milan fan not say that Lookman works and tries harder than Leao?
As for his overall play, take a look at his stats on fbref vs. Leao. Notice how Lookman has nearly all green bars – the guy is a COMPLETE PLAYER, plays defense, plays the intermediate game connecting with his team mates, and he SCORES.
Leao? Scores some, progresses the ball some, ZERO defense.
At this moment, any trade giving up Leao for Lookman would be a huge win for Milan.
I seriously doubt that Atalanta would part with him for less than 70-80 million at this point, and there would be plenty of Premiere League teams willing to pay that.
Milan needs to go and hire a trainer who will work with players, especially Leao and Reijnders, on their shooting technique and finishing. Those 2 above all miss so many chances when they are in scoring positions. In UCL games, if you wanna win or go far, you have to be clinical because chances don’t come around that often. Reijnders missed 2 yesterday.
They should also keep things simple instead of overdoing and taking extra step or extra touch, just shoot the damn ball.
The previous game, Lecce striker Krstovic, shot the ball every time he touched it. As they say in basketball, he hasn’t seen a shot that he doesn’t like. Milan players should be more like him. Just let it fly.
I couldn’t care less about Reijnders shooting, he needs to start helping the team to get out of our own half by demanding the ball.
He’s got the ability he just needs to use it.
You don’t need a trainer to work on shots. It’s all about repetition. You either go early or stay late in trainings to work on you shooting. I did that that in my teenage years and learned how to score from outside the box to inside the box. No need for someone to guide you as you do the same shot over and over and over again and when you get that one chance in a match you’ll succeed. It’s all about determination and will to improve.
“Milan players should be more like him. Just let it fly.”
Nope. Heck no! We’ve seen what happens when our #10 “lets it fly”. It’s in the highest rows of the audience.
“You either go early or stay late in trainings to work on you shooting.”
Guess someone will have to find time in his schedule with the all the rap, the fashion, the modelling,…
Priorities, priorities. Ask C.Ronaldo. 🙂
The Nigerian players is not good for Milan.
He is better than leao at the moment. Leao is just over hyped. I watched juv match in UCL, despite a man down they still won