Pioli explains why Adli hadn’t played a single minute so far

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli explains why Yacine Adli hadn’t played a single minute in the first two matches so far.

Yacine Adli finally made his AC Milan debut in the second half against Bologna. The 22-year-old French midfielder played for around 28 minutes and was very close to putting his name on the scoresheet. A very positive appearances that served to tranquilize the Rossoneri fans who couldn’t understand why Adli hadn’t played a single minute so far.

The Frenchman was the one who caught the eye the most during pre-season with some excellent displays and normally the supporters expected him to feature more. In the first two opening matches against Udinese and Atalanta Pioli kept Adli on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.

There was no physical issue with Yacine instead the problem is of a tactical nature. In the pre-match press conference Stefano Pioli explained that he viewed Adli more as an attacking midfielder rather than a central one.

“I am happy for the birth of his daughter. I really like him as a player but then I have to make some choices. The time will come for him to find find space too. At the moment I find it difficult to make him play as one of the two starting midfielders. He is more suited for a three-man midfield.“

Pioli shifted his squad to a 4-3-3 formation in the second half against Bologna deploying both Adli and Pobega alongside Sandro Tonali. Now the Rossoneri have shifted their focus to the upcoming match against Sassuolo on Tuesday.

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