Big happenings today at Milanello. First of all it was the return to training for most of the first teamers. It also meant debuts for Loftus-Cheek, Romero and Sportiello in training. Nice to see groups of guys get back on the practice pitch together. Lots of great pics and videos on the official website from today’s action.
Pioli Press Conference
Pioli had the start of camp press conference today as well (actual presser starts at 17:47 in the video above). This marks the first time we’ve heard from anyone at Milanello since Maldini was let go, the new ownership took over and Tonali was sold. He was thankful to both Maldini and Massara explaining how it was the longest tenure he’d ever had under one sporting director. Here are some quotes directly from the presser:
TRANSFER MARKET
“From a technical perspective, Tonali is a big loss and we need to try and replace him in the best way possible. It’ll be difficult to have everything in place when we’re in the US, but from now until 21 July I expect some activity. I hope that we’re further ahead than we are now when we’re in Los Angeles. We’ll play two league matches with the transfer window still open.”
NEW PLAYERS
“Ruben and Luka are happy and motivated. They have high expectations and want to give a lot. Beyond technical qualities and statistics, motivation is among the best characteristics we are looking for in a player. We need players who give everything every day.”
FANS
“Our fans continue to show that they’re special and the best. Our relationship sees us give everything and them give everything back in return.”
FIRST SEASON WITHOUT IBRA
“This team was able to grow thanks to him, but now we have players who can help others head in the right direction. The group is more mature compared to three years ago. Zlatan is special, but our challenge is to prove we can be successful without him.”
He did address the teams tactics and approach likening it to a house that might need some work and ‘perhaps some new furniture’. Without knowing for sure or discussing who was coming and going he did mention trying some new tactics and new formations. He specifically addressed looking at right wingers as well as looking at midfielders with several different qualities. You kind of got the sense that he knew changes were needed but maybe him and Maldini weren’t on the same page on what changes needed to be made. He definitely HATED bringing in guys late last year lamenting how tough it was to implement new players after the season had begun. There is however a sense of optimism going forward and the ability to try some new things definitely excites him. I also think with a scudetto and CL semi appearance under his belt he feels like he can speak his mind more. It will be interesting to see how that newfound freedom plays out this season.
Last thing: it was clear that he hates the fact that the season starts several weeks before the window shuts. I don’t think he’s alone in this regard amongst coaches. It’s impossible to have a complete preseason when games start before you even know what your roster will look like. He is however looking forward to the trip to the states and the bonding time that it will provide for the new players.
Summer Signings
LOFTUS-CHEEK is gonna be dropped straight into the midfield and I imagine will be starting right away. Expect to see a lot of him in the preseason as Milan start sorting out the midfield and new players get acquainted with one another. In the meantime we have to figure out what to tell him. Ruben? Cheek? Loftus cheek? RLC?
LUKA ROMERO Considering during the presser Pioli mentioned right wingers and what Milan would be looking for it’s clear that Romero is not the answer. He may be one of the answers but not THE answer. That’s ok. I imagine we see him compete at several spots across the front.
MARCO SPORTIELLO He’s a backup keeper. Tall. Italian. Good looking. He’s this teams Boriello lol. And who says we don’t sign Italians anymore!
Rumor Mill
PULISIC This SEEMS all but done. All the big transfer ‘experts’ have reported it’s a done deal with medicals and an official announcement later this week. I’m excited. I think he can move all over the place up top and will also give Leão the freedom to move around the pitch as well. Leão on the left is scary enough… but imagine if other teams have to worry about him popping up all over the place? That’s the kind of thing Pulisic can provide. Expect every telecast of every Milan preseason game to center around him, especially those that take place in the states.
REIJNDERS If I had a nickel for every tweet that talked about this deal being ‘in the final stages’ or ‘imminent’ or ‘closing soon’ I would be a millionaire. If this were last summer I’d worry this would drag on for a while. With this new group I’m starting to get a sense of urgency, which I like. Got a feeling we will see him in the States.
HJULMAND 24 year old Danish center mid at Lecce.
UPDATE: No movement or even whispers in the last week. Might be dead.
MCKINNIE 24 year old midfielder owned by Juve and finished on loan at Leeds last season.
UPDATE: Nothing of late. Thank GOD.
CHUKWUEZE 24 year old Nigerian right winger at Villareal.
UPDATE: Still seems to be on the radar but is on the radar of a lot of clubs. Seems like his price is creeping towards the 40 million mark which might be beyond us.
MUSAH 20 year old American AM/RW at Valencia. Might be a bit of project but would also be a solid investment. Could see him come in and deputize at the AM spot if we stay in a 4231. Perhaps under Pulisic?
UPDATE: I still like the idea of this. A 20 year old to learn the ropes from guys like Leao, Giroud and Pulisic? Hell yeah.
KAMADA 26 year old Japanese attacking mid last at Frankfurt.
UPDATE: That trail is cold. For a minute Inter seemed the likely destination and now nothing there.
SCAMACCA 24 year old Italian striker at West Ham. This feels like the kind of thing that lingers all summer. West Ham knows he wants out and they know there are plenty of suitors in Italy. They also know that Inter, Juve and Roma have plenty of business to do before they know where they stand. This could go down to the last day of the window.
DIA 26 year old Senegalese striker at Salernitana. Salernitana just redeemed him from Villareal and may be looking to flip him for a profit. Rumor is they want upwards of 20 million for him. That feels steep but he did pot 16 for a mid table Salernitana outfit last year. That’s impressive work. I’m not sure he would be the successor to Giroud but he would certainly help bridge that gap and would bring some very good Serie A experience to the table.
UPDATE: I’m still all for this.
Wrap Up
Not much happened this weekend after the Pulisic news. Feels like the initial flurry is starting to wane a bit. Let’s hope the American road trip motivates the higher ups to buy Pioli a few more toys before the team departs next week.
Cheers
Lisi