I agree with the first part, the second part not so much. Yeah I think Max has a dilemma with the back that forces the formation up top. I think he'll ride the hot hand between Leao and Puli, with Fulkrug as the sub. When Puli and Leao are both capable of playing as behind striker but neither of them are line leaders unless you are playing a team that will play a high line. I agree in the sense they don't play well together but Puli can also play a little bit of 10 and can make stuff happen from that spot as he has shown a capability to make assists. I have never bought into the narrative he plays best out wide. I think he and Fulkrug could be reminiscent of him and OG. Puli plays best with a striker who can make the ball stick and making runs off that, or passing to said striker in the box who can finish chances. His lack of assists has hurt his overall stats this season, but I think the whole problem is two up top without either being a true target guy with an eye.
Pretty hard to criticize Pulisic or Leao when they are being played in a formation that is not either of their strengths. Maybe good for long term growth. Have to wonder if Pulisic is looking to move somewhere more stable and with a formation he fits in.
Chris looking decent in training, appears healthy. Big derby Sunday. With Inter essentially out of reach, it will be more about pride. Did not see Leao, and CP and Nkuku were doing some work as a duo. Would not be shocked to see them start up top together if something is going on with Rafa.
They are only 9 points away from 5th place team. They need to get all the points they can to firmly stay in the top 4.
I can't say I've watched much of Milan this year, but given Pulisic's countable stats--despite missing time to injuries--it seems difficult to claim that they aren't playing to his strengths.
Allegri ball does not play to any offensive minded players strengths. Allegri appears content to defend with commitment and hope for a moment of brilliance by one of CP or Rafa. Then it is lock down defending time.
He has two of the best attacking wingers in futbol on the roster and he just wasted their talents with his ultra conversative plays.
Rumors of Allegri being unsatisfied with Ibra and Furlani, and likely on his way out after the season. Another manager, same issues with management. Who the heck thought it was a good idea to bring in Ibra?
Zlatan thought it was a good idea to bring in Zlatan. I mean...... he once said., "Zlatan doesn't do auditions." [rejecting an Arsene Wenger / Arsenal trial a Malmo teenager]
They should totally remake that Adam Sandler movie ... with Zlatan. At the very end Gooch shows up and ends him.
Big match today, AC Milan hosting Inter Milan, with Pulisic likely to start. https://sempremilan.com/gds-pulisic-elusive-goal-derby-milan "During yesterday’s training session at Milanello, Massimiliano Allegri didn’t hesitate when choosing the attacking partner for Rafael Leao, opting for Pulisic. He’s counting on the pair’s pace to trouble the Nerazzurri defence, and will thus keep Nkunku and Füllkrug on the bench. The gaffer is well aware of Pulisic’s nine-game goal drought in 2026, a run that is highly unusual for the American since he has 42 goals in 124 appearances, or one goal every three matches. Now is the time to get back on track, in other words, and the quality is there to do so. The mistakes in front of goal against Fiorentina, Genoa, Lecce, and Cremonese have weighed heavily on the No.11, and he’s desperate to erase them. It will be up to Allegri, as such, to ensure that Pulisic keeps his composure amid the desperation."
I am sure CP isn't pleased with himself, but surely as a professional he knows you can only control how hard you work. Positive outcomes over time are a result of countless hours of training meeting opportunities to be the hero. Win some, lose some, work harder... Maybe it is the translation, but the last part of that comment didn't sit well with me. Christian has never struck me as a player that spends much energy on lamenting what could have been. He may have a moment or two, but then he puts his head down and gets on with it. Either way back to Allegri ball and watching what a team that must surely be in contention for how to mismanage a storied club by venture capitalist that know F'all about football.
Quite shocking that you play your best player out of position and don’t get consistent results. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
He looks completely off the pace, confused about his position and role, indecisive, completely out of form.
Pulsic came off for Nkuku in the 83rd. CP wanted to stay on, you could tell. He had the energy to go the distance, which is encouraging. he got a standing ovation from Home support, and a hug/face grab from Allegri. He was the best attacker today bc he was the only one that had some ideas, and he got much better after Milan scored. And he ran the most distance of any player on the pitch. He just could not get many opportunities today, but had some wonderful link up play at times. Milan take the 3 points, 1-0, making the title race slightly more interesting - thought it would take a major collapse from Inter to really choke away the league.
I thought he played really well. Was all over the place, led a few very dangerous counters, and on another day could have had at least one assist. But this formation is just brutal for him. He’s excellent and combining and has nobody to combine with. Makes great runs but only one teammate (Modric) who can consistently find him. Has to be frustrating.
I will confess, I did sort of like his striker/free roaming role, especially when he was banging goals in….but yes, lately it seems To limit his opportunities at times. One of his best moments today was when he took on and beat two defenders on the wing and had a nice cutback to Salamkers. Makes me wish he could get get the ball in those positions more again.
I thought Pulisic looked more like his normal self today. Some mishit passes, but he looked dangerous the few times he got the ball to play through him. Clearly though, a 352 with Rafa and Puli just ain't gonna work. I think Pulisic does well behind the stirker and being free moving, but Rafa cannot play with his back to the goal, and when he does have space to dribble he starts to fall apart more as the game goes on. May have to go to a 343.
Also just to add, while he did have an assist today, if you're gonna play a 352, Fofana cannot be the 3rd CM with Rabiot and Modric. Fofana has his uses, but 95 percent of the time the attacks die at his feet. He has his uses as a player, but as long as Modric and Rabiot are locked in starters third CM should be Jashari or Ricci
Milan Inter 1-0, le pagelle della partita di Serie A | Sky Sport Christian Pulisic voto 6 Milan-Inter 1-0, pagelle e tabellino: Estupinan l'eroe inatteso, Esposito e Bonny non incidono, Leao opaco | Goal.com Italia MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan 6,5; Tomori 6, De Winter 6,5, Pavlovic 7; Saelemaekers 5,5, Fofana 7 (73' Ricci 6), Modric 6,5, Rabiot 6, Estupinan 7; Pulisic 6 (84' Nkunku sv), Leao 5,5 (73' Fullkrug 6). All. Allegri
Yep. Milan actually has been really good against the competition at the top of the table. But dropped points against Parma, Cremonese, Pisa, Fiorentina, and Sassoulo. 4 draws and 2 losses against teams that are 12th, 17th, 18th, and 20th in the table.