What ever happened to this Tuchel? “Shape wise there was also a revolution. At the beginning of his tenure, Tuchel used his customary 4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 shape. By the end of his tenure, Tuchel began to unleash his full array of tactical magic such as instructing Piszczek to drop deep to become the third centre-back thus enabling Dortmund to adopt a 3-2-5 or 3-2-4-1-shape in possession.” He was one of the most exciting up and coming managers in German football.
Played well against the Atalanta bunker. One bad turnover that didn't cost his team. One difficult chance that required 2 perfect touches but he only managed one. Not much to be angry or excited about.
He was not happy coming off. Can't blame him since the team immediately became less likely to score the winner at that point. As a a USMNT fan, I am cool with the sub.
I think he was also probably still pissed that he missed that chance. That would have been a hell of a goal and the winner.
Only saw the second half but I liked what I saw, even if it was a bit frustrating not to have him/them finish a few of those tasty chances t/he/y had. It seems like he's picked up a few more tricks and habits in Italy. His defensive pressure was excellent. He made some very effective runs -- one overlap with RLC which pulled a defense a bit toward his streaking side of the box and away from RLC's run. RLC then uncorked one but it was blocked. He looked pretty active in both directions and yeah, I'd be annoyed too. The team looked better when he was on and around the ball more.
Christian Pulisic was 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 to his 8th Serie A goal of the season 😲 pic.twitter.com/Trb9DdiVoi— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 25, 2024
I thought the cross that almost found Giroud's head was his most dangerous moment. He just seems to know where that guy's gonna pop up. RL-C had probably the best chance off a center from Leao at the top of the box. Leao was like a Harlem Globetrotter out there by the end, showing off moves galore but getting nowhere near the goal. His opening goal was museum quality however. Just stunning.
He has stepped up in many big games. He has several game-winning goals for this team. People have some really short memories.
Yeah, 4 of his 7 goals have been the match-winner this season, and he also provided the assist on one match-winner. Milan, generally, needs to step up more in big games. I don't think it's a Pulisic-specific problem.
SempreMilan before the Atalanta game ... "The signing of Christian Pulisic has been praised by many as Milan paid a mere €20m for his services (plus bonuses). So far, he has eight goals and seven assists to his name in all competitions, now considered the undisputed starter on the right flank. During his pre-Atalanta press conference, Pioli was asked about what Chukwueze needs to do in order to compete with the American. The manager’s response was clear and perhaps even a bit harsh, sending a clear message to the Nigerian. “They have the same characteristics. Pulisic scores goals, assists and works. Chukwueze must score goals, assists and work,” Pioli stated.
I think Lou's point is more "it would be nice if CP were The Guy on this Milan team". Undoubtedly That Guy is Leao and CP will never be Leao -- he doesn't have the personality, nor physicality for the role. The squad clearly defers to Leao. His usage rate is high, he gets the perk of being stationed in front of another stud in Hernandez (and in CP's better position no less), he takes free kicks, etc etc. CP has had a great first season in Italy and with Milan, obviously. And if or when Leao goes, CP'll play an even bigger role. He needs to keep working hard (note: that's included in the remit of his position by his coach) and stay healthy. The rest will take care of itself.
I personally believe CP is much better with a wild-card like Leao on the team. The difference in style, but similarity in danger (despite Leao's scoring drought) means CP gets more space on the right touch than he might otherwise. The two dangerous, fast wingers spread teams pretty wide, or leaves space for one of them. If Milan's D were more organized and effective, this could be a very good team. Too bad Giroud is as old as he is, tho he seems to be holding up ok. This move has been very good for CP.
I guess I meant against big teams like Inter or Juventus. If he scores a brace against Inter in a derby, that's HUGE! I mean he's done really well but he needs bug scalps to add to his legacy.
Ahem. Spiders are not bugs. Technically, neither are beetles or scorpion flies because they don't have piercing/sucking mouth parts. This pedantic correction courtesy of my entomologist daughter, who has instructed me in the mysteries of Hemiptera. Now if Pulisic was collecting cicada, water strider, or aphid scalps...