Stefano Pioli had no doubts that Christian Pulisic would make a huge impact on Milan and Serie A, while revealing the advice he gave Rafael Leao after the first 2-0 win over Bologna.
The Rossoneri were in great danger in the first 20 seconds when Charalambos Lykogiannis hit the crossbar, but they were leading 2-0 in the 21st minute.street minutes at Stadio Dall’Ara.
New purchases made an immediate contribution, as Christian Pulisic’s cross from the line was tipped in by Tijjani Rejenders for Olivier Giroud to score.
Pulisic then swung back and forth with Giroud blasting into the goal on his Serie A debut.
“I think the more players you give the ball to, the better your chances of scoring a goal. It doesn’t matter if it’s Rafael Leao or someone else,” Pioli told DAZN when asked. He was asked if Milan does not count in this way. On Portuguese talent anymore.
“We have to work more to find a better balance, but those who arrived definitely know how to play football and that’s a good starting point. We only have four friendlies and this is the first game of the season, so there’s work to be done but we’re on the right track.
Pulisic had the biggest impact on his Serie A debut with a goal and an instrumental role in the opening Giro, while Rejenderes looked all over the place in defence, midfield and attack.
It’s the best possible start for new signings, especially with Marco Pellegrino touchdown at Linate Airport tonight becoming their ninth purchase of the summer.
“I am satisfied, because I asked managers for certain characteristics in specific roles rather than naming names, and they gave them to me. The old guard helped the newcomers settle in quickly, while the new players got used to a style of football they were not used to.
“I always knew Pulisic was a talent, there was never any doubt about that. In the phone call I had with him before signing, it was clear that he brought a lot of quality to the team. Moreover, he is also a versatile player who can replace Leao or play behind attacker when needed.
With all the new faces, Giroud is the one who broke the ice and remains an extraordinarily reliable attacking centre.
“He leads by example, he’s a leader on and off the pitch, he always has the right attitude and is ready to work with the team. He’s won so much in his career that he’s happy at Milan. It’s true that he’s not that young anymore, so you have to find a way to give him a little air from time to time.” for another, but I’m so happy to be coaching this senior.
Dan Ndoy and Rafael Leao both hit the right flank On a hot, humid night that was so hot Milan preferred to spend the first half break on the bench rather than deal with the air conditioning failure in the dressing room.
“I talk to Rafa every day and try to make him understand that his talent is a superpower, but he has to use this superpower to help the team. If we all learn to sacrifice ourselves and work without the ball, I think we can do great things. Rafa understands that and worked hard today.
“It was impossible to stay in the dressing room, it was around 60 degrees Celsius, so we preferred to spend half the time on the pitch.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired in the summer and has been an important asset to the Rossoneri on and off the field.
“We miss Zlatan for sure, but he did so much for this group and the best thing is that he helped us grow in terms of mentality. His absence is felt, but the players have grown thanks to him and learned a lot over the past four years.
