AC Milan's schedule, as reported in today's edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, for the next 40 days will be very challenging: an away game in Cagliari tomorrow, then a match against Lazio at home, followed by a Champions League game in Germany against Borussia Dortmund, an away game in Genoa, Milan - Juventus, and trips to Paris and Napoli.
Pioli expressed a revealing thought on Saturday: "We can't chase after everything... I think there's an exaggeration in the negativity surrounding my players. As far as I'm concerned, I take all the responsibility, I've always put myself out there, and I always will. I coach a very responsible group that knows that a teammate's mistake is everyone's mistake." AC Milan wants to unite. The goal is to keep up with Inter, who will have an easier schedule.
As per the newspaper, Pioli will obviously need every player available and the good news is that Theo Hernandez has returned to training with the rest of the team. Maignan is also ready, but there is no need to rush him back to the pitch. Therefore, Sportiello should play tomorrow.
As for the new players, Pioli has had almost nothing from Okafor and Jovic, a bit more from Chukwueze. Loftus-Cheek is doing well, Reijnders and Pulisic were excellent before the post-derby slump, and Musah is improving.
La Gazzetta continues, the next step is to ensure defensive stability. Milan hasn't conceded a goal in the two post-derby matches against Newcastle and Verona, but by nature, they are an offensive team, with Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders much better at looking forward than backward. Without Krunic, Pioli will have to figure out a way to protect the defense and the partnership of Thiaw and Tomori. AC Milan's goal remains the second star, but they have to get through these fiery 40 days.
