AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has suggested that the ball is in Yacine Adli’s court regarding a potential role in the squad for next season.
The information we recently relayed is that Pioli believes Adli can now have a spot in his squad given his versatility. We discussed the ‘Adli Paradox’ in the latest bonus article for our SubStack, which you can read in full here with a seven-day free trial.
Pioli spoke to the reporters who gathered at Milanello for his first pre-match press conference of the season (read in full here), and he began by addressing a question on Adli’s future and how he has looked.
“I found him motivated but he always has been, despite the fact that I haven’t chosen him much in the past. If he wants to work in that position too, from a defensive and positional point of view he has to work. He’s given his willingness to do it. He can also play as a mezzala.”
The head coach was also questioned on whether the rumours are correct in stating that the club are in the market for a new centre-forward, speaking about Lorenzo Colombo in the process who has been linked with a loan move.
“Anything could happen. It could also happen that we stay like this. I’m also happy with Okafor’s performance in that role. Colombo has grown a lot and deserves his space.”
Pioli was asked a couple of different questions about Rade Krunic, a player who has surprisingly found himself at the centre of a transfer saga involving Fenerbahce, though his manager made it clear how important he is.
“Krunic is giving me good answers in that position, due to his characteristics. eijnders can do it too, minus the others who are more mezzali.
“I talk a lot with my players and I also did it with him at the beginning of the season. Right now he clearly prefers to play at the base [of the midfield].
“He’s a very intelligent player and his position allows Loftus and Reijnders to be more free. The pitch will give us better answers.”
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 finally our coach start to make sense about Adli, if this is real and not smoke news, we have our regista and don’t need to hire Dominguez or someone else
Pioli Pioli Pioli.. my word ! Talking about his players’ positions like he’s not even sure. Always has to be “forced” into doing the obvious.
Last season he explicitly said he doesn’t see Adli even as a mezzela. Now his tune has changed. Smh