AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed his desire to play Lucas Paqueta as a mezzala and has backed Krzysztof Piatek to learn from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Paqueta has found himself linked with a Milan exit in recent days, with plenty of reports suggesting PSG are interested.
Fabrizio Romano claimed that the Brazilian is not opposed to the move, with the Rossoneri having set an asking price of €35m, while il Corriere della Sera stated that Paqueta is in fact set to leave Milan in January just 12 months after he arrived from Flamengo.
Speaking to il Corriere della Sera, Pioli began by discussing Paqueta’s best role, as transcribed by MilanNews.it.
“No doubt, he’s a mezzala. He works with commitment and selflessness, but he must become more decisive: which means that he either sets up goals or scores goals.”
Meanwhile, il Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews.it) reported on Monday that Milan could look to sell Piatek and find a new back-up to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira then stated that Roma are the latest team to express an interest in signing Piatek and have made enquiries.
However, it doesn’t seem like Pioli is preparing for his exit.
“If you play at Milan and a quality player [Ibrahimovic] arrives you must be stimulated and happy.”
Pioli continued by discussing the rest of the squad, including aims for the future and captain Alessio Romagnoli.
“If you think your team is better than what it is, it becomes difficult to reach the targets and consequently keep the coach. The lucky coach is the one who goes to a club that has a realistic judgment of the team’s goals.
“I wish to live a better 2020 together with the fans. And who knows if my long cycle is born here [at Milan].
“Differences between my experience at Inter and Milan? Inter are a much more experienced team, with defined dynamics, therefore more difficult to change. Here I found a younger, more open, more malleable team.
“Romagnoli has great qualities. He can do even more being a player with many appearances. He is 24 years old, it’s time to make the leap.”
