Pulisic and Leao have trust’ – AC Milan coach defends choice to bring on Chukwueze as late substitute.
AC Milan manager Stefan Pioli justified his choice to substitute Samuel Chukwueze for Christian Pulisic or Rafael Leão after their 1-0 loss to Roma in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night at the San Siro.
Gianluca Mancini’s goal in the 17th minute condemned the Rossoneri to their first home defeat since January, putting them on the verge of elimination.
Chukwueze came on in the 78th minute to replace Pulisic as the home team was eager to avoid defeat, and the Nigeria international made an impact off the bench.
In the 87th minute, the 24-year-old nearly set up the equalizer when he passed to Olivier Giroud inside the box, but the France international’s shot hit the crossbar.
He had also come close to scoring three minutes earlier, but his shot from the edge of the area missed the target.
During his post-match press conference, Pioli explained why he brought in Chukwueze despite his recent form.
“Pulisic and Leao are confident; guys like them can make a crucial play even on a difficult night. “I made the changes when I thought they were appropriate,” Pioli told Sky Sport via Daily Milan.
The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winner has been important for AC Milan in recent weeks, prompting calls for greater playing time, particularly ahead of Pulisic.
The two have been Pioli’s choices at right wing, but the USMNT key man has had more game action and is in greater shape than the Nigerian winger this season.
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