AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli reveals the major reason why he started Samuel Chukwueze on the bench against Juventus; npflupdates.com reports.
Chukwueze played for just seven minutes against a former Italian Serie A champions Juventus.
The Nigerian winger was introduced in the 83rd minute as a second-half substitute, replacing American playmaker Christian Pulisic.
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It’s not arguable that Juventus dominated most of the possessions, having more than five shots on target, leaving Milan with none. It was a keenly contested fixture but Milan were able to get a point at full-time.
After the 0-0 draw against Juventus Pioli was asked about the winger’s situation in his post-match interview.
And according to the tactician, the major reason remains his choice of not wanting to play with one less midfielder.
What Pioli said about Chukwueze
“I prefer Pulisic instead. Chukwueze is also doing well but at the moment, I won’t give up an extra midfielder to play with four attacking players. Therefore, Chukwueze was the one who had to be sacrificed,” the 58-year-old Italian coach said in quotes revealed Siempre Milan.
It is important to note that Chukwueze will enjoy a new manager at AC Milan next summer after the club confirmed that they will part ways with Stefano Pioli at the end of the season.
In another story, Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s forward Victor Boniface reveals why he believes Xabi Alonso is world class coach.
Alonso during his active days, won every laurel there’s to be won in football including a FIFA world cup title.
And according to Boniface, the Spaniard will alway motivate players during training as he mostly play with his players.
“Imagine you’re training and your coach is doing better than you,” Boniface told AFP in an interview.
Also read: Chukwueze Is A Disappointment Of The 2023/2024 Season For Milan – Di Stefano
“For him to be involved in training gives us a boost,” Boniface said of Alonso, who “has won everything that can be won in football”.
“Then you want to step up your game.
“Sometimes he tells me of players he played with, with similar abilities to me. He tries to improve me in my weakest areas.”