Milan coach Stefano Pioli says it was the club’s decision to move Mattia Caldara on after “technical and physical evaluations”.
Caldara is on his way back to Atalanta after a torrid time at Milan, which was ravaged by two serious injuries, and Pioli accepts the move simply has not worked out.
“Technical and physical evaluations were made. If we decided to make a change, it’s because we’re thinking about other solutions in his position,” the coach said at a press conference.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli says it was the club’s decision to move Mattia Caldara on after “technical and physical evaluations”.
Caldara is on his way back to Atalanta after a torrid time at Milan, which was ravaged by two serious injuries, and Pioli accepts the move simply has not worked out.
“Technical and physical evaluations were made. If we decided to make a change, it’s because we’re thinking about other solutions in his position,” the coach said at a press conference.
“The timing of the January transfer window is strange, but it doesn’t concern me. I hope a [replacement] defender will arrive as soon as possible.”
The Rossoneri tomorrow face a Cagliari side sixth in Serie A and seven points ahead, and the former Inter boss is expecting a difficult game.
“They are having an excellent season, even if they have lost their last few games, but we have to think about ourselves.
“I have a special relationship with [Rolando] Maran, but I won’t tell him what we’ve prepared. They are doing well, but we know their characteristics well and where they are most dangerous.”
New signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic played the last half-hour against Sampdoria on Monday, and the trainer admitted he still was not ready to start against the Sardinians.
“He doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs, but I will be the one to choose whether to put him in from the start or during the game.
“To play a full match you need a few games. It’s normal for those who haven’t played for some time.
Striker Krzysztof Piatek has been the centre of speculation concerning a move away from San Siro this week, but Pioli refused to talk about the Pole’s situation.
“If I could move the clock forward I would be happy, but I have to live with the transfer window. We are only focused on Cagliari. Piatek is called up and available to play tomorrow.”
Milan have found it difficult to score goals this season, with only 16 to their name so far, but Pioli warned that simply changing the formation would not help.
“In moments of difficulty, you must find solutions. If we change something on the pitch, it’s because we have to become more clinical.
“I think the correct way is to give solutions to the players to improve. Our problem is that we don’t score enough goals.”