Stefano Pioli has decided to bench both Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao in tonight’s game between AC Milan and Cagliari. It’s a season-first, given that one of the two has always started for the Rossoneri up until tonight.
With greater squad depth compared to last season, Pioli hasn’t been afraid of making rotations this campaign, with mixed results. The Monza game comes to mind, making several changes despite having a 3-0 aggregate lead against Stade Rennes in the Europa League.
However, even in that game, at least one of Hernandez and Leao was on the pitch (the Frenchman). If the latest reports are true, therefore, the decision to bench both of them tonight will be a season-first in all competitions.
The duo remains crucial for Milan but it must be said that in the last month or so, they have struggled on the pitch. One can thus understand Pioli’s decision to shake things up, especially after six games without a single win.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that the manager will part ways with Milan at the end of the season. Sergio Conceicao is seemingly the top candidate, with contacts ongoing, and a termination of his Porto contract will not be an issue.
And what exactly would that statement be. He is on his way out so quite frankly he will do whatever he pleases, the season is over. I would think that finishing strongly would be his parting shot but obviously he has other ideas. Anyway we w hope the team cements 2nd place.
I think finishing strong is his parting shot that’s why he’s benching the duo. Team will be better off without their recklessness and poor attitude at this point.
Let’s him leave now, he’s a bum.
I know many are not Pioli fans but he is still doing his role as coach. Some time when your top players are not performing, they need a reminder that you must earn your place in the starting 11. When you are that good, sometimes you need a reminder of that. This can help any player that has gotten comfortable especially Leao and Theo who are definitely top 5 player in Europe in their position.
Is it a gutsy and risky move from Pioli? Yes, it is but he is still trying to be the good coach that he has been to his players. His tactics have failed but he has never stopped coach
At least do something useful and start some youngsters, hoping this at least means we’ll see guys like okafor/jovic, chuk, simic, bartesaghi etc. Get some actual minutes to play
What signal? Theo and Leao will be the first to come in 2nd half if we have the difficulty on seeking a goal. But I agree, we played much better last match right after Leao subbed out (before Pioli went to his usual suicidal mode in changing formation).
Should have sent this signal a long time ago. It’s too late now.
Meanwhile, Mike Grella on the Golazo show said a team that will spend north of 50,60, 70 million on Leao will be disappointed with what they will get for that money.
But we are out here reading about 175 million or nothing.
It’s his nature I’m afraid, even in other clubs just before he was sacked he did the “live long enough to see yourself become a villain”.
But anyway, deservedly so, Leao and Theo have been poor and enjoyed Pioli’s trust for too long. He should’ve done this few matches earlier.
What about Giroud? Jovic or Okafor can’t get a run?
Throw some youth products on from the start including Mr Okafor. Let him lead the offensive.
Obviously WE have more Coaches than Fans.