Stefano Pioli reveals it was Theo Hernandez who suggested playing as a central defender, proving to be a revelation against Frosinone. ‘Milan want to challenge to the end for the top of the table.’
The Rossoneri were low on confidence after scraping a win over Fiorentina and then falling 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund midweek, a result that has made Champions League progress extremely unlikely.
It was a reshuffled team with Theo Hernandez having to play as a centre-back, but the Frenchman was Man of the Match with good positioning and his runs forward were covered by Alessandro Florenzi.
“The idea came also from him, as he spoke to me and said if I am needed, I can play that position,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“He did really well defending and also gave us a lot going forward with his left foot, there was only one slight moment of indecision on a set play.
“He showed the desire to really help out the team in a difficult moment with all these injuries.”
Luka Jovic finally got his first goal for Milan, along with an assist for Fikayo Tomori, while Christian Pulisic showed great skill with his first touch on the Mike Maignan long ball.
“Our objective was to get back to winning ways, we had two home fixtures in a row against Fiorentina and Frosinone. It is a small step forward, but there is a long way to go this season and we need to find more consistency if we are to challenge for the top spots.
“What we lack is consistency and we have to find it with our performances. Naturally, the quicker we get players back, the more options we have and the more we can rotate or look to the bench to shake things up. We want to challenge to the end for the top of the table.”
There was more good news too, as Ismael Bennacer made his comeback after surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in May.
Milan were tempted to start teenage defenders Davide Bartesaghi or Jan-Carlo Simic, but instead preferred to use the old guard in new positions. Does that show a lack of faith in the Primavera players?
“I have a great deal of faith in the young players and we’re seeing many who will make their way through to the senior squad in future. There are however moments when it is more suited to players with experience who know certain situations, as there was no room today for those who might’ve had an emotional blowback from the event.”
Pioli had lunch with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale at the Milanello training ground this week after the Champions League setback.
“I often speak to Gerry, we meet whenever he’s in Milan. Like all owners, he wants clarification on situations, like why we were unable to get more points from our chances in the Champions League. It was a constructive meeting, he makes sure his presence is felt.”