Reijnders’ position will determine the move to 4-2-3-1. Leao doesn’t recover, but the American is ready and on the left Jimenez is in great shape
The spotlights of the Al Shabab technical center illuminated Sergio Conceiçao’s first Arab Milan. Yesterday, forty-eight hours before the semi-final against Juventus, the Portuguese counted those available and those who will have to miss the match against the Bianconeri. Among the latter there is Leao who trained separately, sprinting on the field but without ever joining his teammates. Translated: Rafa is out and, if he goes to the bench, it will only be to be closer to his teammates. Not because he can make his contribution.
No to double nines
—
Conceiçao “played” together with his team during yesterday’s training session at 5.30pm local time. No, he didn’t have a bib, but he was always in the thick of the action. It was clear from his calls that reached the street, audible from behind the barriers and tarpaulins placed to protect Milan’s session from prying eyes. The training field used was one of the two external ones (in the one next to it Al Shabab of the new coach Terim was at work; in the Al Shabab stadium Juventus had sweated in the morning) and at times the voice of the former Parma and Lazio were clearly heard: he interrupted the action by calling the players to him and explained what they had to do. Almost by remote control like Antonio Conte does. It is no coincidence that Sergio is defined by many… the Portuguese Count. For grit, work methods and determination. What will your first Milan be like? Under construction like… the three skyscrapers with majestic cranes next to them that surround the “home” of Al Shabab. The idea is that the formation is not a 4-4-2, but a 4-3-3 which could transform into 4-2-3-1 with the advancement of Reijnders, who in the last few matches with Fonseca was still used as an attacking midfielder or if you prefer in the center of the trio behind the center forward. For the moment, the solution of deploying Morata and Abraham at the same time, perhaps with the Spaniard a few steps further back than the Englishman (as in Porto’s 4-4-2: Taremi was the one who fell back further) does not seem current. Against Juve the center forward will be Morata and on his sides the favorites are the recovered Pulisic and Jimenez. The American has gotten rid of the pain in his ankle and also the previous muscular discomfort in his calf: he is fine and Conceiçao needs it. The former Real Spaniard is in great shape and we can’t give up on him also because Okafor and Chukwueze remained in Milan; plus there’s Leao who isn’t ready yet. Alternatives? Musah worked with his teammates yesterday and, although not at his best, he should be considered skilled and enlisted for the role of offensive winger on the right. If and when Pulisic needs to be replaced.
Space for Bennacer
—
In the middle of the pitch Fofana and Reijnders are immovable. Now and, in all likelihood, also in the future. Who will complete the department in case of 4-3-3? Not Terracciano, who worked separately yesterday: the shoulder problem still gives him pain and at most the former Verona player will be on the bench. The new anti-Juve player bears the name of Bennacer, who was used in the second half last Sunday and was ready to wear a starting shirt, something that hasn’t happened since August 17th in the 2-2 draw against Torino. The Algerian could play as a right midfielder, with Fofana as the central pivot because in Conceiçao’s football there is usually a player in front of the defense who has physical structure and ability in the blocking phase rather than a pure playmaker. When he returns to 100% Loftus-Cheek will play an important role and will be one of the strong candidates for the midfield role. It remains to be seen whether the Englishman will be on the bench tomorrow: difficult given that he was apart yesterday.
Shin guards and… Jack
—
Conceiçao asked for intensity in the tackles (all the players wore shin guards) and worked on both set pieces and penalties. Tomorrow evening in case of a tie in the ninetieth minute, no extra time, but direct shots from eleven meters to determine the finalist. In defence, compared to his Portuguese compatriot, Sergio initially should not change anything: in front of Maignan, there will be Emerson Royal, Gabbia, Thiaw and Theo Hernandez. With the latter having a great desire to do well. Outside the gates, about ten fans were unable to get photos with the Rossoneri. On the other hand they “snatched” a selfie with Bonaventura, the former AC Milan player with Al Shabab. Jack went to say goodbye to his teammates at the end of his training. Today for Milan (soft) training both in the morning and in the afternoon: Conceiçao doesn’t joke…
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED