Journalist Carlo Pellegatti agrees with some of the criticism aimed at Stefano Pioli but does not agree with calls to sack him while he also listed what is needed in the summer window.
The year of 2023 has not been kind to Milan who have seen the Scudetto challenge slip away with Napoli now a staggering 23 points ahead, the Coppa Italia fade after defeat against Torino in the last 16 and the Supercoppa was a comfortable 3-0 loss to rivals Inter.
The Rossoneri have taken just one point from their last three league games and despite getting into the last eight of the Champions League the feeling among many is that a top four spot is in such danger that there might not even be a chance to replicate that run next season.
Pellegatti spoke on his YouTube channel about the current difficulties that Milan are going through and he offered his thoughts on a potential tactical fix, with his comments relayed by MilanLive.
“Pioli out, the majority are very critical of him. Some accused me of defending him when I said it’s not easy to coach Milan. I would like to make a reflection… I agree with the criticisms of Pioli, he must put in three midfielders. Krunic, Bennacer and Tonali must play, and occasionally Brahim Diaz, depending on the games, and I would also include Pobega as a 10,” he began.
“He’s no longer taken into consideration, but when we go back to playing with the 4-2-3-1 with Krunic as Kessie played, you can put him in too and you’ll see that something can change. Milan are now a wounded lion. The judgements will be made in June, saying Pioli out now is useless.
“Ibra said that you have to play like champions of Italy, in terms of personality. Milan won the Scudetto with a thousand merits, perhaps the opponents underestimated us. This year they bring a different grit. Milan had to increase concentration, as they were no longer considered underdogs.
“The transfer market must necessarily go towards charismatic players. Now there’s Ibrahimovic, who is the wisest, there’s Kjaer… there’s Rebic who struggles to be involved in the locker room though.
“We therefore need 2-3 players who can lead the group, we need experienced players to add to this team. Loftus-Cheek is a big name that I’ve read. I would also sign important players, as we did with Giroud. We should take 2-3 Giroud-type players maybe 29 years old. You have a young base, now you need experienced players.”
