Stefano Pioli gave the AC Milan squad the day off after their Coppa Italia win over Cagliari last night, but a number of players still came to train.
As a reminder, Pioli chose to rely on a mix of youth and experience last night as Antonio Mirante, Jan-Carlo Simic, Alex Jimenez, Luka Romero and Chaka Traore all came in to start against an also rotated Cagliari side who are struggling in the league.
It was a decision supported by the club’s management given the number of injuries and starters needing rest, but it paid off as Luka Jovic (x2), Chaka Traore (in his first start) and Rafael Leao scored in a 4-1 win to secure progress to the quarter-finals.
The day after the win against Cagliari, Pioli gave the squad a free day in the week of preparation for the away game against Empoli on Sunday at 12:30 CET, but Theo Hernandez and some of his team-mates still showed up at Milanello.
This is reported by Peppe Di Stefano for Sky (via Radio Rossonera), and it certainly represents a positive sign regarding the commitment of the team especially after the turbulent end of 2023 for the Rossoneri, who drew against Salernitana which put Pioli under fire.
“There are positive elements at Milan in the last few days: Jovic, many young players, yesterday for example Alex Jiménez played very well,” he said.
“Just think that today there is a free day at Milanello… but a lot of players showed up. In addition to Matteo Gabbia, the first training session after his return to Milan from his loan at Villarreal, all the injured players were there.
“But to make you understand, Theo Hernandez is here, Loftus-Cheek is here, Musah is here, Florenzi is here: many of those who played yesterday and who could benefit from a day of freedom are here at Milanello to work, to find their better condition. This is a huge sign for me.
“Jovic is starting to remind us more and more what he achieved at Eintracht. The real Leao enters with a mad desire and sows panic. Pioli’s unders wear the grim gaze of those who have overcome a thousand battles.
“Too perfect not to suggest extreme caution. Cagliari has pressing concerns about the standings to be able to dedicate themselves to the cup. They have no strength and quality to oppose.
“Winning is always good for morale, Milan will go to Empoli on Sunday full of energy, but it will be a completely different story. There is no desire to belittle the great success and the promising responses that came from Jovic and Pioli’s kindergarten, but it is not by these details that you judge Milan.”
Why do I have the feeling they are there because they lack preparation in other aspects of training or their physical program from the coach