AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli did not rule out the possibility of reverting back to the system that saw his side win the Scudetto.
Moving into the 2023-24 campaign there were some question marks about whether Pioli might ditch the concept of playing with an outright attacking midfielder and a double pivot in favour of a midfield three.
The signs in preseason suggested that the Rossoneri would be using a 4-3-3 and the signings that followed for the department – mainly box-to-box players – certified the intention to add a bit of physicality to the central areas.
Pioli spoke during his pre-match press conference on the eve of the game against Lazio and he was asked by one of the reporters if there is the possibility of Milan switching back to a 4-2-3-1 system.
“I’m thinking about it because Pulisic is well and in midfield we have five for six places,” he said.
“Then I like Loftus-Cheek as a mezzala, these are things that need to be tested a bit. At the moment we are working on other solutions, but the 4-2-3-1 during the game is an option.”
I think that 4231 would be good for games against Psg juve and napoli, and some low block opponents until Bennacer is back. Having Rejinders, Loftus and then Pulisic as 10 and Chuk on the right could be a real deal on counter. But when Bennacer is back then i think him, loftus and tijani in the middle with chuk on right is the right way to go.
So, 4321 with Reijnders as a 10? Or he can try Adli or Pulisic, there. Could work with Musah-RLC as 2 holding midfielders.
I think it would be two of Musah, Reinjders and RLC in the two and Leao, Pulisic and Chukwueze in the 3 maybe? Would feel a bit risky if so.
Silly idea. Bought mezzalas then force them to play in positions that dont suit them.. what can go wrong?
Dude totally lost his compass, he just doesnt wanna get fired 😀
We are doing very well at the moment , and the squad looks very impressive….
I like the idea that pioli is adaptable ,,with the formation, this is very necessary and important depending upon whom we are playing …
I have no doubt at all ,that we can win the scuddeto this season …I think we have the best squad of players in the league…including the very talented and intelligent impressive Olivier Giroud…He will score lots of goals this season …so impressed also with Loftus cheek …I said that he would be vital for us in midfield,,as he has great physical strength, height and pace ,.and will score goals ..Another plus is pulisic on the left …He has such pace and puts in some amazing crosses into the box ,,,with Rafeo on the right ,,,who can stop us …Tomori ,,,,what a good defender to have in your team ,he has really impressed of late as he is such a good tackler ,and has pace ,,,again he can go foward and put in some decent crosses .Then we have a great manager in pioli …
I think we will win again against lazio,and Olivier Giroud to score yet again…
Do you fans believe we can win the scuddeto this season ..I certainly do.
I get the feeling he says stuff like this just to mess with people…
If they need to become more defensive against better teams, maybe they would go in that direction and hes always adapting to the opponent, but this team wasnt built to have fullbacks slinging in crosses to pulisic…
You read his mind correctly. Pioli is well known for his stubbornness and inflexibility. He would not make changes promptly during a match or even after several bad results. People who take his words too seriously will only suffer.
4-2-3-1 is a very useful formation for acmilan because there pressing ability with that line up they score goals and dominate the games with the likes of chukwueze and leao from the wings score more goals
thats silly. why would they score more goals in 4231?
And they cant score them from 433? Why?
i thought about replying but neither statement seemed to make sense so I passed. Maybe he wants more space in the box? but i dont think anyones been in their way? or overlapping fbs?
Just play, don’t hassle the ball and wait for opposition to form themselves in defence. That’s what happened with both Inter and Cagliari. We need fast transition from defense to attack. I thought we are going to play gegenpressen with these signings.
sorry that message was meant to be a reply to you but yes, they have given up the press. I wonder if it was a guys getting too tired thing or they weren’t trusting the CBs in 1 on 1 coverage if it got beat because Giroud is not exactly the most mobile….
we are actually leading the league in counter attacks while also holding possession. its a very weird thing, but we tend to not end up attacking out of posession but more so when winning the ball around half field before the defense is set.
They could also be considering some of whatever exactly Leao is doing half the time a counter attack, not sure…
I’ve seen this as well. It feels like we’re more dangerous on the counter than when we’re in possession. Very interesting situation.
it makes sense, given the speed and catching defenses out of position. I think its good to have a balance. But also worth pushing when you grab a turnover upfield. we just havent been pressing very high i guess we have been in a mid block.