Stefano Pioli explained his discontent and frustration regarding his team's result against Salernitana last night. The Rossoneri lack continuity and the touch of that team that won the Scudetto with an almost magical ride.
In all of this, the blame lies with everyone, including the players. But it's clear that Stefano Pioli is unable to find the thread, experiencing a rollercoaster season.
What are Pioli's mistakes?
Pianeta Milan started with the analysis of injuries: one cannot evade this primary issue. The Rossoneri are having a disastrous season in this regard. With Tomori's injury, the seasonal knockouts rise to 30, including 22 of muscular nature, involving 21 different players out of a squad of 28 players. This, however, isn't even the first time: under Pioli's management, Milan has often suffered in this aspect, and solutions are lacking on the horizon, despite the words of the protagonists. "Injuries are a serious problem," Pioli said at the end of the game. But ritual phrases are not enough; actions and solutions are needed.
With these numbers and absences, Milan cannot find continuity, that's clear. But last night's starting lineup was very close to the typical one. Perhaps one change in defence, Thiaw instead of Kjaer. The rest represented Pioli's ideal eleven. Therefore, excuses hold no ground.
Against Newcastle and Monza, there were flashes of the old Milan. This is because the Rossoneri had space to create plays. Against Salernitana, they didn't find it, but they didn't even try to find it. Everyone performed poorly. And defensively, there was a lot of uncertainty, even before Tomori's injury.
The data speaks volumes: on the day of Empoli-Milan, January 7, 2024, it will be three months without away victories for the Rossoneri in the league. Milan hasn't secured three points away from San Siro since the 0-1 victory in Genoa on October 7, 2023. Perhaps it's right to say that it is not entirely Pioli's fault, but a turning point is needed indeed.
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