There is no 'Piatek problem', says Milan coach Pioli
Liam Blackburn
December 7, 2019 14:23 MYT
December 7, 2019 14:23 MYT
Out-of-sorts striker Krzysztof Piatek is not the root of Milan's problems, according to head coach Stefano Pioli.
Piatek joined Milan 11 months ago from Genoa and made an instant impression, scoring seven times in his first six games.
The Polish star finished the 2018-19 campaign with 22 Serie A goals, but he has struggled to hit those heights this season, finding the net just three times and failing to score in six successive matches.
Milan, down in 11th in the table, have struggled as a result, but Pioli feels their issues are collective, rather than individual.
"There is no Piatek problem," he said at a news conference to preview Sunday's game against Bologna.
"There is a Milan that is playing well, that is working hard to climb out of this slump, a team that knows we need to do more."
#BolognaMilan Here’s the squad heading to Bologna Ecco i 23 rossoneri per la trasferta del Dall'Ara#SempreMilan@BioscalinITA pic.twitter.com/dxlo9mKxAn — AC Milan (@acmilan) December 7, 2019
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Pioli feels he has no like-for-like replacements for Piatek in his squad as he considers talented 20-year-old Rafael Leao a different type of forward.
"If Piatek plays tomorrow that is because I've decided he is important for our team," Pioli added.
"If he plays like he did against Parma [in last week's 1-0 away win], it means he will have had a good game, like the rest of the team.
"Each player brings their own characteristics; Piatek is a striker, a poacher, Leao is a movement striker. There are many ways to play but the important thing is the characteristics on the field match up.
"The individual isn't important; we don't have anyone like [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo - that means we have to work as a team."
With Piatek unable to replicate last season's form, Milan have been linked with a reunion with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is available on a free as he leaves MLS side LA Galaxy.
Asked if he wanted Ibrahimovic to sign as an early Christmas present, Pioli replied: "Christmas comes on December 25 but you've been talking about these things from November.
"If I was to think about a present for now, I'd want the three points for tomorrow."