AC Milan clinched three crucial points after coming back from 2-1 behind to win 2-3 away at Frosinone, once again not making it easy for themselves. Olivier Giroud, Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao were the big heroes and below are the player ratings.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out how we decide the player ratings. From the scale to what affects the rating, we have compiled everything there.
Starting XI
Maignan (5): He couldn’t do anything about the penalty, despite diving the right way, but his action on the second goal was almost shocking. That ball should never hit the back of the net, and the Frenchman knows it. Luckily, Milan came back and won anyway.
Calabria (6): An okay display from the captain in both phases of the game, always making sure to get into the box when going forward. He also combined nicely with Pulisic on a few occasions. Enough to get a pass here for sure.
Kjaer (5.5): The Dane made some good clearances towards the end, but looked far too unconvincing before that with some poor positioning and slow movement. Not to mention that his passing, which is usually very good, was way off on several occasions. Better in the second half, but still not good.
Gabbia (6.5): He made some really nice tackles out there today but just like Kjaer, he sometimes struggled for pace. The equaliser, being at the right place a the right time, was crucial for Milan and his rating thus gets a bump here.
Hernandez (6): Invisible in the first half, not finding his position at all, but improved in the second half with some good combinations with Leao. Ultimately, we know that he can do so much better but it was okay.
Adli (6): The Frenchman had some shaky moments at the start, it must be said, but recovered and ended up having a decent game. The cross before the second goal was nice, but we do feel like he could have done more in other situations tonight.
Reijnders (5.5): Was not very effective when going forward and got the one thing he wanted to avoid; a yellow card. He will miss the game against Napoli and that’s not ideal for Milan.
Pulisic (5.5): He played against Brescianini, who is not a left-back, and we saw that on one occasion when Pulisic easily dribbled past him. Then, the American simply stopped doing that and was not bold enough. The defensive contribution was good, though, but in games like these he must do more in attack. He also had a shot straight at the keeper from a good position.
Loftus-Cheek (5.5): Apart from a few good first touches, the Englishman barely had any impact on the game and really struggled out there.
Leao (7.5): One of his best games this season, despite the handball on the penalty which was very unlucky. He beat his man almost every single time and really should have had more than the one assist, making some good passes into the box. And although he didn’t get a goal, this is surely a confidence boost for him.
Giroud (7.5 – MOTM): You can say whatever you want about his style, but he ended up being crucial with a goal and an assist. And that header was simply brilliant, showcasing all of his qualities. Certainly not ‘stat-padding’, combining really well with his teammates throughout the game. After a display like this, the renewal seems almost mandatory for Milan.
Substitutes
Okafor (6): A bright performance off the bench, but his positioning wasn’t all that great, especially on one occasion when Leao played a cut-back pass.
Bennacer (6): Decent from the Algerian off the bench and above all, it was nice to see him back. He also sent the cross in just before Jovic’s goal, so that counts for something.
Jovic (7): Another super-sub goal from the Serbian, who needed less than a minute on the pitch to find the back of the net. Crucial goal for Milan, and while he wasn’t brilliant apart from the goal, the Rossoneri didn’t need anything else.
Musah (6): Very good shielding of the ball in the end, counting the clock down.
Florenzi (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a ratings.
The manager
Pioli (5.5): He made the right subs once again, but the tactical approach was rather disastrous for most of the game. It almost seemed like Milan didn’t have a proper plan, and the manager can count himself lucky that Leao and Giroud were in a good mood.
Our defense needs a lot of work. And Mike needs to get back into it. It unfortunately seems he was unsettled by that racist abuse he received… I think he needs to take a moment for himself.
Our attack was good. Gabbia was good. But others like Kjaer and Reijnders were not.
This team plays a bit frantic. They need to calm down a little.
100%
I really think we should cash in on Mike, he is really unsettled and jittery, not just the howler, but all game he was really slow distributing the ball, we could not really launch counter attacks, as by the time he released the ball the opposition were back to their default positions.
And in my humble opinion, Adli and Rijnders does not work, there is a clear unbalance and teams are finding it too easy, when Bencer came on and Adli dropped deeper there was a marked improvement.
On a final note Jovic read Solsjkaar, super sub, if defenders are not 100% in the box he will pounce, he has really adapted his game whilst at Milan and it is clearly paying dividends for him and us.
Cash in on Mike…. Go support another team plz
Maignan has been terrible this entire season.
Yes, by all means, Milan need to cash in on him and get somebody much better.
Agree, Adli and Reijnders kept going into the same positions. I think Bennacer or Musah should partner one of them.
Jovic has done well but the only worry is he is more of a box player and useful when Milan needs to attack and put the ball in. It is hard for him to start a game and contribute.
Calm down???? Hahahah they need a lot more energy and grit, bro you really don’t know ow much about anything do you hahaha … calm down?? Jeez…
Are you brain dead? They don’t even defend when going forward. You don’t know anything football. You’re just a loser who trolls on a website. And that comment was more to Mike, whose dip in form I’m concerned about.
I will break down the word for you more. Energy and grit? Dude, you’re clueless. Frantic doesn’t mean = energy. It means frantic which leaves one prone to mistakes.
It isn’t my fault you can’t even read basic English.
You are right they are frantic or like headless chickens.
As Capello would say put a midfielder in with personality and competency to control things
For Mike, I think he is thinking of leaving or the renewal… There are many instances this season where he conceided goals he could have saved even before the Udinese game. He is asking for a lot of money and knows the management will probably not give him the contract he wants so his mind is elsewhere.
But that’s my theory anyways.
The game didn’t need to be this difficult. They waited until down 2-1 to start playing with any kind of urgency.
To think they are even considering not bringing Giroud back is ridiculous. He has carried this team this season.
Let’s be honest, Maignan has not had a good season. This is another game where he let’s in a goal that should have been saved rather easily.
I’m glad Reijnders will have the next game off, he needs a rest and has not been very good lately.
Does Pioli get any credit for the subs when they win the game? Or only the blame when one of the subs screw up?
A much needed 3 points. Now let’s hope Juve beats Inter, or maybe a draw so we can make up 2 points on both.
I liked Piolis subs. My only beef with them is that RLC should have been out at half time. He was ineffective again. Notice thr game change drastically when he was off the pitch.
💯 agree. And what the hell’s going on with Magic Mike keep getting beat at his near post 👀 Hopefully it’s just a dip in form because we’re only finishing 3rd if he keeps channeling Dida like this.
Mike was beaten far post. Went between his hand and his foot. Looks like he just missed it.
That said it was keeper error. No deflection, just straight up miss.
Fingers crossed Mike fins his Mojo for next week.
Gabbia was atleast a 7, wonderful perfomance and tackles
Maignan, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders were our worst players tonight. Decent but without any brilliance, were Adli, Theo, and Calabria. Kjaer was a bit worse than these, but better than the four I listed as our worst ones. Leao was a bit of a mixed bag but did produce a gorgeous assist that resulted in our first goal, and did give a lot of work to Frosinone’s defense, this opening space for the other Milan forwards. I don’t blame him for the PK, that was just unfortunate but rather accidental. The mixed bag comes from some wasted offensive plays like a couple of crosses to nowhere and a couple of selfish attempts to score when there were better solutions. Giroud, MOTM with a goal and an assist and some other pieces of good work. Gabbia, excellent; just below Giroud as second best player. Gabbia has been consistently our best defender, lately. Subs: Bennacer decent; welcome back. Given that Reijnders won’t play against Napoli, it’s good to have Bennacer back. Okafor was lively; could have done more with more time of play. Jovic, excellent opportunistic winner; with the few minutes he gets, his goals per minutes played are sky high in the last few games; very different from the traffic cone he was earlier in the season. Florenzi, decent. Musah worked hard and was instrumental in running down the clock.
Overall a good win, in the sense of showing recovery power, after being down 1-2 relatively late in the game.
Pioli’s subs were good.
Frosinone made it difficult. They played well and looked dangerous, and dominated play in the first half of the second half. Regardless of table position, this was a good win on the road against a team that did toughen it up.
I’m appalled at Maignan’s howler. Maybe we should seriously consider selling him for a lot of money that will allow us to fix some other issues (like a true #6, another striker, a RB). He isn’t having a good season.
I agree
Another one of those, take the 3 points and burn the tape. Lifeless, disjointed, without any concrete ideas and win by luck game.
Every time you look up there is acres of space between Adli/Reijnders and RLC. Just like in every game this season and last season. That’s on the coach.
Another game , another weak goal given up by Maignan. If that was Tatarusanu or Donnarumma people wouldn’t stop talking about it but will still hear how Milan has to pay him what he is asking because he is the best in the world. He has been performing like Onana this season.
Gabbia was again the best defender. Kjaer shaky again.
Didn’t even notice Theo was playing except when he was getting beat by Demba Seck. One of those situations cost Reijnders a yellow card.
Calabria was Calabria.
Reijnders, Adli, RLC, Pulisic were all poor. Reijnders will finally get some rest.
Better game by Leao.
Where would this team be without the contribution of Giroud. A goal and assist that take him up to 11 and 8 on the season at 37 years of age and barely getting any service.
Luka Jovic, the Pioli savior again. He has 7 goals in around 700 minutes this season with maybe only 3 starts. He was the last resort signing last summer but he has come good this season and hopefully stays next year as well as a backup.
Let’s hope inter vs juve finish in a draw or at least a juve win.
Now that RLC didn’t score, hope we can analyse his role clearly now and agree he is ball watching and running around doing nothing. The setup with RCL makes us handicapped in the midfield as evident today. Good win for the lads. And our defense needs the midfield to do thier jobs.
It’s not that. It’s rather that L-C is highly irregular. He can have brilliant performances as well as putrid ones. When he is good, he is very good. Just recently he was MOTM. Today, I agree, he was one of the worst players on the pitch. Going from MOTM to worst is rather extreme inconsistency. But he does have the skills. I don’t know why some games he definitely doesn’t put those skills to good use.
Even as MOTM he was just at the right place in the right time to score two goals. Other than that he was invisible same as in most of his matches.
I don’t really agree, Rossi. Some games, R L-C is very vertical, very dangerous, upsets the opponent’s defense and even scores. I don’t think that when he earned MOTM recently, he was just lucky to score two goals. I think he did more than that. And then, look a little further back; the first PSG game. That was a world-class performance, proving that R L-C does have the skills. It’s mind-boggling that sometimes he doesn’t put those skills to use; it is probably a mental thing, and also a question of fitness because L-C is an injury-prone player; his body betrays him, sometimes. Look at how big he is, but he falls a lot. I think he is a bit fragile. But when he is good, like I said, he is very good. Yes, I’d love to see some consistency, and the irregular form is his biggest shortcoming. But again, I insist, it’s not that he doesn’t have the skills. It’s something else; I don’t know what it is, maybe physical, maybe mental. But he is not a signing that I regret. He does contribute.
I don’t think he is being put to use correctly. Yes he did score recently, but his inconsistencies can be explained by the fact that this is not his position. He does not have the passing range, vision and quick-decision making to be an attacking midfielder. I think he is more useful as a central midfielder where he can pressure the opposition and win the ball to pass it to more creative midfielders.
Perhaps he can work better as a DM in a double pivot system (4-2-3-1) alongside a more creative midfielder (Bennacer, Reijnders or Adli) with a true attacking midfielder in front (perhaps we should consider having Pulisic there or try Adli as an AM?) with Musah subbing him from time to time, but that’s my opinion. But the truth is, his best days were when we used him as a CM in a 4-3-3.
“Now that RLC didn’t score, hope we can analyse his role clearly ..” lol bro you hit the nail on the head. Apart from two games, the more recent one where the fawning was overdone and his psg game….not sure about anything in-between. The praises are high when he sort of makes a decent game but true critique is absent otherwise.
You should copy and paste that rating for pioli for every single game for the rest of the season because that is exactly what pioli does every single game
The main need for Milan is not a new striker. Giroud can be relied on another season and Jovic should be given more playing time to better integrate with the team. Milan’s main need is a quality defensive mildfielder to help shield the defenders and better organize the game in the central park. Also, a full back who can play both on the right and left to put less pressure on Theo and Calabria, and probably a good winger who can play both on the right and left when Leao/Pulisic does not play well. A centre back is not needed at all, instead Milan should learn to better manage the fitness of Tomori, Thiaw, Kalulu.
Yes, I agree regarding the CDM problem, but we do need a striker
Not sure about the negativity regarding Pulisic. He again worked like mad off the ball pulling the D to his side making space for Leao. He had several dangerous opportunities as well. 6
I was underwhelmed by much of the game and thrilled we go the points against a team clearly amped up for the game. Its not clear why we switch off like this.
Defense … Gabbia looked great. I’m eager to see him paired with Thiaw a d Tomori. Theo did the basic job. Made a few nice passes and runs. Calabria was super aggressive in offense in the first 25 min or so but never really seemed to be impactful. He did the defensive duty.
I thought Adli looked solid after a shakey start. He had 7 tackles and ran over 12km. Reinjders simply looks ground down and I agree with others that the game suspension is a silver lining.
RLC didn’t seem mentally in the game. He went through the motions and they sometimes looked promising. There was just no spark.
Leao looked world class today. He was only missing a goal. If he and Puli can keep up the work on the wings then Giroud has more space like he did today. Unlucky on the penalty, but he was back playing defense!
Giroud looked like 32 not 37. The space he had today was certainly helpful but really he showed what he can do when his wings and AM provide it for him.
I think we played a 4132 after the first subs. We look better with 2 strikers. Jovic and Okafur both continue to prove this with great results of the bench. I wonder if we will see this more?
Good post. I agree with most of what you said. Where I disagree is that yes, Pulisic worked hard and pulled some defenders to his side but he could have done more; his 1:1 opportunity against the goalie should have been a score, but he shot right at the goalie. Also, he mishandled several important passes. He made more mistakes than right moves tonight. I love Pulisic, by the way my 2023/24 Milan shirt has his name and number, but he is a bit irregular; has great games and others in which he makes a number of mistakes. He’s another one who can be MOTM certain games, but disappears in other games, like RL-C. I do think that Pulisic was our best signing last summer, but he is not always excellent; has his off days, and tonight was one of those.
It’s an interesting comment Luigi.
This is why I say 6 (pass) and not higher. He was average.
I agree he could have done better individually on several occasions for sure. Had he done so I’d say higher.
I think for all of us there is an element of rating the player against their best self rather than on a single scale for all. (I e. What gets Puli a 6 might only get Leao a 5)
Probably part of what makes this the most fun article of the week each week! 🙂
Cool; agreed!
very true I don’t like a number rating because everyone has different expectations from each player and scores them accordingly.
Management needs to look at Mike’s overall shot stopping abilities throughout his stay here, before they consider his future here.
I’d say, it’s time to sell him. High salary, and a 2023/24 season that has been frankly subpar. He doesn’t seem to be able to stop shots that come near post from sharp angles. Good goalkeepers are relatively easy to find. A goalkeeper is one of the most replaceable players. Last season he looked like one of the best in the world, but this season he is definitely not looking like one. Today’s second goal by Frosinone was a horrible howler.
I hate to say it, but it is looking like we don’t renew at the asking price for sure.
I’d expect a player wanting such a raise to be playing out of their mind to justify the ask. Instead it’s almost as if Mike’s head is in the contract itself instead of what earns such a contract.
Personally I hope he turns it around. At his top he is a joy to watch.
Its likely if we can’t agree a contract that yes we’ll sell Mike in summer. As he’s asking for 7mn/year net but performing like a 4m/year GK
However… who to replace him with? Last season I wanted Vicario who might not be world class, but is decent. However now in PL he’ll be too expensive to bring back. Is there an obvious replacement? As unlike outfield players, you don’t really rotate your 1st choice keeper.
It’s a great question. De Gea for a couple years? He’d be on a free. Great shot stopper we lose the sweeper keeper.
Ramsdale? Yeah he’s PremLeague but he needs to prove himself at a big club.
That’s the best I have off top of my head. I wonder if there are any up and coming Italians we could grab up? I don’t follow other teams close enough to know.
Carnesecchi could be an option if we are willing to spend what seems to be our going rate of around 20 million per transfer.
Ramsdale is not very good, especially in one on ones against an onrushing player.
Watched him struggle at Arsenal. There was definitely a reason he got replaced and is now sitting on the bench.
Being English got him way too much of the usual overhype from the English tabloids.
There are loads of excellent goalkeepers in Ligue Un. They are a lot better and cheaper than an EPL benchwarmer.
Carnesecchi, De Gregorio, Lucas Chevalier
Haha Giroud mot vilken skämt skicka honom till USA låt dem unga att lyfta upp Milan
Snygg svenska …… Turre?
2 be honest it was a mini miracle to have leao so deep in the first place, then he just got unlucky with the arm movement
Stimmt.Danke leao dass sie nach hinten gegangen sind,haha
I don’t know much else to say here but we aren’t playing well and it’s like we’re undeservedly in third. We have the team but the tactics are horrible. For many parts of the game we look sluggish, no game plan, unmotivated. When we go down we have 10 minutes of football that we play well.
It honestly makes me want to have Conte coach this team because as much as I can’t stand him I know that teams like frosinone, empoli, udinese we won’t be getting outplayed. Pioli is never changing his tactics for different teams, it’s always the same plan throughout and we’re figured out by every team and the quality of players are getting us back into the games. WE CAN’T EVEN PLAY 90 MINUTES OF DECENT FOOTBALL ANYMORE.
Yes, Frosinone made it tough, but let’s just stop for a moment and think of their two goals. One was out of a very unlucky handball that wasn’t exactly our player’s fault, and the other one was out of a huge howler by our goalie. Overall, we scored 3 very beautiful and deserved goals while they scored two out of sheer luck. We also had three opportunities that could have been scores; the 1:1 Puli-Goalkeeper, and two crosses that our players arrived just a fraction of a second late, and thus couldn’t push the ball in. With more luck in these opportunities, and less bad luck in the two goals we suffered, this could have been easily a 4-0 or at least 4-1; potentially 5-1. So the people who have said that we were disorganized and without a game plan are a bit off, I think. We did produce some beautiful triangulations, sharp attacks, scored 3 beautiful goals and almost scored more.
I agree. Too many posts are way too cynical about the teams performance today. Sometimes , you want to tear your hair out in frustration watching this side but Milan picked it up ,created good actions and the goals as you said we’re good, especially the opener.
We still seem too open and the press is not executed properly most of the time, exposing the defense to problems, but they were determined to get 3 points today.
The whiners will never stop whining. I don’t know if they’ve ever watched Capello or Ancelotti’s Milan when we looked dog awful sometimes but still ground out a win…. But thankfully half them don’t bother showing up when we win so we get a breather of sorts.
Huge difference between SOMETIMES looking dog awful and MOST OF TIMES looking dog awful.
Ancellottis milan played wonderful football where there was always control of midfield, sometimes they didn’t score enough.
Thats why CL they succeeded and league not.
Capello team just spanked the others.
This current team has no midfield. Which was our best department
Mismanagement
Well the thing is, we are whining because so far we didn’t face good opposition in a while.
My problem is not that we sometimes look bad against poor team, that can happen to any team, but once the competition steps up a little bit, we crumble. We lost to Inter, Juve and twice to Atalanta. 2 of those teams don’t have better squad than us. There was a lot of talk also about this “group of death” in the UCL, but Newcastle proved to be a poor team, PSG and Dortmund were overrated and not as good as expected.
So until we prove we can win against decent opposition, I’ll always remain skeptical. But that’s just me.
Yes my man of the match .yes it’s Olivier Giroud.
Scored yet again and another assist ..
Rafeol leao beat his man on most occasions,,and did indeed provide crosses ..He always looks like he can create chances ,,sure a goal or two will come from him also ..defensively we were poor today ..what’s happened to big Mike …yes he couldn’t save the penalty,but should have stopped there second goal.
What can I say well done Jovic …I thought we played better with both strikers when he came on ..
We are still doing well in the league,,and our form is almost on par with inter and juventus.
It’s Napoli next ,,,and I believe we can win that game.
Two Howlers in a row, Mike might have eyes on something else…
In reality another poor tactical setup by Pioli and he was bailed out by his team. To be fair though the players were the ones responsible for dropping points against Bologna
Very haphazard display as always, the Basketball team strike again!
Who needs a CDM to get some control of midfield?
Mike – aweful again
Gabbia – MOTM
I loved how it was his first Serie a goal and he just picked up the ball and ran to put it in centre for kick off.
Why? Because he wanted to win, not celebrate his first goal.
Thats our captain right there!!
Theo decides when not to play
RLC – should be a super sub if he stays at Milan, not consistent or good enough
Rijnders – I’m delighted he is suspended, he can sleep for a week
Leao – He played very well and worked hard, Bravo
Or is this just because he has realised if PSG are to fork out 150m he needs to up his game?
Jovic- What he has is intangible
He is a true goal scorer. Much like Inzaghi, his overall effect is minimal but he is alive in the box!
(shock horror – he would partner well with CDK)
Pioli – That was a bl00dy mess tonight
Moncada – I’ll swap Tonali for Musah, RLC & Reijnders tomorrow ok?
Gerry – please leave
Definetly on point with Gabbia, he deserves more credit in this game.
Some of his tackling was Maldini esque and were game saving.
I think hes played himself into a starting role.
He has red and black blood and it shows
I find the CDK comment intriguing.
Tho both seem more like second strikers. Might need a big bruise like Giroud along side?
Jovic is a pure poacher, he needs someone to feed off.
CDK likes to serve, not so clinical or direct
How is Tonali performing this season? Better or worse than RLC, Musah and Reijnders?
Also, you should go and watch highlights from last season to remind yourself how poor the midfield was. You’ll find out that we had the same issues, even though Tonali was playing. The problem is the coach not the players in the midfield.
Nonsense.
Tonali and Bennacer are class players as was Kessie.
Last year our midfield of Tonali and Krunic with Benny as AM was solid. Semi finals solid.
Obviously Kessie was much better than Krunic.
Whatever way you slice it the 3 guys we brought in are worth 60m and Tonali more than that. Bringing up his ban is just avoiding the point
Go watch last season midfield.
Same problem that Milan has this season existed last season. Tonali and Bennacer were constantly outplayed outrun and outmatched by opposing midfield. You are using the luck of the draw getting to the semi-final as a crutch. Things got better when Krunic was inserted in the lineup.
The way people criticize the midfield this season, also criticized them last season. Some just chose to forget that. That’s why I say , go check the highlights and see how many goals were given up because Bennacer and Tonali were out of position, sleeping or beaten from behind.
Speaking of class players, Adli and Reijnders are class but they have a classless coach who is not using them properly.
Kessie was a beast. Tonali and Bennacer couple classes below
Well at least we agree we miss Kessie or someone like him.
Management don’t seem interested in addressing the biggest hole in the team
musah wasn’t played…i think you mean RLC Reijnders and Adli…
“Moncada – I’ll swap Tonali for Musah, RLC & Reijnders tomorrow ok?” Lol
I’ll keep quiet on that one. But I’d like to point out that Moncada really should be unearthing the next Fabinho and Martial and so on as per the interview he gave not too long ago as to who he was most proud of signing. I’m reading that and thinking where’s our Fabinho?? All this chest puffing in your former role, why not replicate it now (or were those different circumstances or scouting network which Campos let him use?) Wink wink.
The problem is we gave him money to spend lol instead of playing to his strengths ie in his scouting those unknown players for cheap. Maybe he imagined what he would have done back in Monaco if he had a few $20m to spend on better quality players but it ain’t working here. So far, only one I’ve seen so far that was unknown was Romero. And he sent him away lol 😂 wtf
I want to give another shoutout to Jovic – the guy people were calling “worse than Origi” after he’s barely been at Milan long enough to find his way around the locker room. And I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m cheering on Jube tomorrow night. Doubt they’ll win tho – Shinter will get another dodgy decision from the ref and take all 3 points 😬.
Jovic knew his entire career was on the line and he did all the work to turn things around. I just wish he would play a little more, but Giroud’s form is undeniable.
Jovic isn’t a good all-round striker, his link up play isn’t good and he doesn’t have pace to be a threat in behind. So he isn’t the answer as our long term starting no.9
But If he’s happy to play the role of super sub (or occasional starter in say Coppa Italia) then he’s a solid squad option… worlds away from the horse-sh!t Origi 😉
💯 agreed
Disagreed. I actually think he’s excellent in a more starting role for this team. He clearly has the quality.
He has had starts and hadn’t contributed anything. He is cementing himself as a SuperSub so far. i’d love to keep him as third striker.
He has shown a lot of quality this season and I think his goals to minutes played ratio are one of the best in Europe. However most of the goals he scored were him going in as a sub (he is fresh and the opposition is tired) while Giroud is still playing (so not the lone striker).
I feel like he hasn’t yet earned to be the lone striker.
Dude came injured and out of shape. We got to watch him come back to fitness and now to form. Hope there is more growth left, and hope we hold on to him.
By calm, I mean being more cool and collected in defense. No, this was a frantic display especially in midfield and defense, which led to way too many mistakes.
Rimp being a troll as always who doesn’t know basic English.
Leao was actually insane this game. Glad the ratings reflected this. but I know it’s going to be lost in a few games as it doesn’t tick the stats boxes. I thought we’d be more comfortable in the game but we just lost our way once more. We got the three points so in one way we can try to trouble the top 2 but with the way we’re consistently playing…
I thought Gabbia was great throughout. Giroud great and MOTM . It’s going to be hard to replace him. Jovic super sub, wink wink management.
As I’ve said before, I prefer a shot stopper anyday than a footwork specialist for a GK. You’ve been great for us Mike 😅
I think we need Tomori back too. Kjaer… I love the guy… but his best form has passed. Maybe Thiaw too. but I don’t want Gabbia benched.
100%. Kjaer is barely keeping it together. The only thing he’s still OK at is headers out of the box and a direct pass to a player next to him.
I think what we really are missing right now is Tomori. And people often understated Tomori and his impact in defense. He was a rock and stepped up in a big way. Tomori+Gabbia and we are set. Wonder what the return date for Tomori was…
We really need to stp conceding these goals. Penalty was unlucky. Theo and Giroud. That’s how you take a spot kick.
I thought Kyer was a big contributor to the second Frosinone goal. He played everyone onside. Effectively created the space by being 2 to 3 metres behind the rest of the defensive line.
So although he wasn’t near the play. He created the danger.
Credit to Frosinone.
They are doing a good job for a promoted side. Hope they can stay up and build on their style of play.
Feels like Gabbia is the one single-handedly holding this defense together in whatever capacity it is, but he isn’t enough. Kjaer looks absolutely out of place and beat every time… Can’t make a decent pass unless it’s to a player in front of him.
If Theo isn’t allowed to make darting runs forward, then play him in CB or bring Simic in for Kjaer because The Great Dane needs to retire.
Credit to Frosinone for neutralizing our midfield. Reijnders and Adli couldn’t get settled on the ball with 5 opposition players crowding them. Glad Benny is back to play alongside Adli/Musah against Napoli next game.
Milan’s lack of urgency up until 2-1 is disturbing. Giroud, bless his old soul, was the only one with any fire in him tonight. Again, persistent Pioli shortcomings, but we’ll just have to see it out until the summer, hopefully still in third. Because despite these shortcomings, Stefano still has us sitting pretty in 3rd.
This run of games against lower ranked teams was a great opportunity to give Simic games. He has been good when used. It is the same short sightedness we have seen over and over. Then Simic will have to come on when Kjaer gets injured against Napoli or someone. Its not wise or fair
That’s exactly what will happen. Kjaer gets hurt and then we have call on Simic in a huge game.
This was a game lacking ideas and luck of the subs.
Mike was off his game for another one. Perhaps the contract talks are getting to him.
Gabbia was the man in the defense. Frosinone were feisty tonight and wanted the win bad but Gabbia equalized very nicely and kept the opposition muted. Kjaer made a few long passes but not much else of note. Theo played alright but we need more from our left back if we are going to keep up with inter and Juve or maintain CL football next season. Calabria was good in the early stages but lost too many duels. Ultimately, the backline did a job but nothing to write home over.
Our midfield got over ran again but I don’t totally blame the players. RLC was playing so high I wasn’t sure if he was playing center forward or a very high 10. This positioning left Adli and Reijnders in trouble because they were completely out numbered and defending isn’t either ones strengths. Leao and Pulisic floated in to cover but it didn’t help us maintain possession so it was a poor strategy overall.
The frontline was interesting. Giroud was great today. He has been in form of late and I am happy to see him perform because he is a player that plays for the shirt. I am thinking RLC is being pushed so far forward to draw attention away from Giroud creating an advantage in attack. Normally our tactic is Giroud pulls both CBs and Leao and Pulisic pull the FBs and a midfielder leaving us the only option of recycling the ball and repeat so this move is interesting to me. It does however leave our midfield empty and our wingers squeezed. Speaking of, Pulisic seemed off and had zero space to operate in the box and he seemed content with playing defense and moving the ball around. He has done this for three games now so I want to see more decisive movement and hunger from him. Leao, what a game mate. He played like we all know he can, the only thing missing is the goal but I was pleased with his play.
The subs turned the game around. We loaded the box, got some lucky spots and converted so huge thanks to Jovic for his pose and dangerous legs in front of goal. Musah came on and played right wing much to my dismay but he killed the game off in stoppage time. Benny came on and the whole midfield change. I could not believe how much he impacted the match, well done.
Pioli set us up to fail. Not sure why he would leave Adli and Reijnders to marshal the midfield alone with Frosinone’s attacking style. The subs did make the proper corrections so slight nod for that but it could have easily blown up in his face.
I highly doubt we win the scudetto and holding third seems to be our realistic goal ensuring next CL next season.
“Pioli set us up to fail. Not sure why he would leave Adli and Reijnders to marshal the midfield alone with Frosinone’s attacking style. The subs did make the proper corrections so slight nod for that but it could have easily blown up in his face.”
Musah is custom-made to fix every issue they had in defending and building up (especially the build up). Fine, you don’t start him, but trotting out Adli after the half was very frustrating…I”d accept bennacer also but i dunno where his health is and musahs defense has been sharp.
I am right there with you. I much prefer Musah over Adli. Starting Adli with an aggressive opponent was Pioli’s biggest mistake.
i dunno if hes trying to prove a point or something but you can’t teach a player to scan effectively in 5 years much less 5 weeks. How many times do you have to see Adli receive so deep that the whole field is in front of him? He can’t play through…
Bravo milan .pioli should try 2 attackers jovic /giroud !thank u jovic he looks like pippo in play !forza milan
watching everyone talk around the difference between adli and musah in the pivot is fun…I know it was the first minutes of the game but adli gave up a likely should have been called for a penalty after losing the ball and tackling in the box.
Off-ball technique…underrated skill. if you are going into the midfield, you have to have that mental map of everyone’s positioning way before you receive the ball or you can’t make quick decisions. You can’t learn to play with your back to the other team overnight. The same goes for defensive positioning, but the pivot isn’t working, and putting the same guys out there against a pressing team is…confusing
Once again; perspective.
We conceded to an unlucky penalty and a goalkeeper howler, away from home; conditions enough to get you down psychologically. But the responded and got the win, with subs playing a crucial part.
If this was Juve or Inter, I’m sure y’all will see it as a sign of Mental strength and use it as a teachable moment for why we need Conte or something. Lord knows how many ugly wins Juve especially have had this season and the headline will be Allegri’s masterpiece or some shi like that. But it’s Pioli, and it’s Milan; so it’s not enough.
But carry on. I hope you don’t realise too late what you have.
Once again salamaker has a goal registered in bologna I think Milan might cash out on him most likely bologna will retain him
It’s so easy for opposition to freeze out this midfield. They just overcrowd it and we’re done. It’s so weak and average I can’t stand it.
And once we trail behind in result, Pioli panics, reverts to 424 and we somehow overturn it. But that’s not a solution. That’s physically demanding on our players and it’s so painful to watch.
Gabbia is the man, the most consistent performer holding defense together. I hope he stays in starting 11 once Tomori and Thiaw are back beacuse he deserves it. I’d love to see him paired with Tomori eventually. A positionally aware and strong Gabbia with fast ball carrying tackler Tomori. I also hope Spaletti is watching, it’s time Acerbi sits down.
Yeah Gabbia is doing great.
How about trying Kalulu as DM?
Hes a quality player who is very adaptable
Btw Thiaw used to play DM in Germany . Jus sayin
No way Leao & Giroud have the same rating. One worked hard & fought tirelessly all game (with little to no service) trying to make something happen while the other picked his moments to play football. Make a play, be almost invincible for long periods then come alive for a few moments again.
Maignan is starting to remind me of Dida. The errors have started to become consistent & expected.
Special Mention to Gabbia, another great performance. Not just the goal but he defends like old school Nesta, not afraid to go to ground with a sliding challenge, he has Confidence. If by some chance our 4 CBs next season can be Tomori, Thiaw, Gabbia and Buongiorno then we are well set
The general performance was dire, no intensity, this is the coaching and tactics. Adli played well, Leao played well but nobody is reading his crosses or balls in. 3-4 times he put in a great cross and nobody was attacking the space.
Bennacer added quality to the midfield. I don’t think any one player played badly, the general tactic seems to be a lot of nothing really, we don’t and can’t put games to bed, comes back to pack of intensity again. What is nice to see is us having real impact subs now, I always felt we’d win this game, but it won’t wash against inter or the top sides in the Europa league….nice to have Ole Gunnar Jovic too…😂
We Must go all in for Klopp, we probably need 1-2 signings for Him to make us extremely competitive again. If he can add his intensity to this squad of players then it could be magnificent. Conte will come in, tailor the squad to his unique tactics, sell off talent and then sod off in 2 seasons….if you get Klopp in, you’ll see Leao, Chukwueze and Reijnders go up a level
Final point, their penalty is the very reason that VAR is absolutely destroying football…it was never a penalty, they couldn’t provide any compelling evidence and what can Leao do? It’s about intent, it was clearly ball to hand. Utter farce
I fully agree about penalty, its rediculous.
On Klopp, he would be great but he will have much more attractive options like PSG, Bayern, Barca, etc
Seems like he will take time off.
Your spot on about Conte, the team will disintegrate
Jovic In his last 7 appearances in Serie A he has scored 5 goals in 205 minutes played.
That is a more relevant stat as his early season form was terrible and he was not fully fit.
So that is a goal every 41 minutes in his last 7 appearances
We don’t need a lot, Buongiorno, a top finisher and perhaps a top draw midfielder with some experience.
I think Milan is still an attraction for a coach like Klopp, who wouldn’t want to unwaken the beast. He won’t do Bayern I don’t think due to dortmund loyalty, psg isn’t a draw really and he won’t do anoth we prem team. Klopp also idolises Sacchi. It’s thre to be had
I hope your right!
He will most likely take a year off anyway.
There is also a possibility he takes the Germany job which would be more part – time
Yes that’s the other most likely one I think. He looks burnt out. He’d smash Serie A though:
It’s a once in ten year opportunity to get a world class coach, just like when inter got Jose. That sparked interest revival which has lasted up u too now really
Maybe do a deal to take over in 2025. Build up the team a bit first.
I think our owners prefer a cheaper option who will be content with selling off best players each summer.
Our owners are more concerned with money than success
For me the coach is massive, this squad is underperforming and looks lathargic and uninterested at times
Good coach changes us