Christian Pulisic followed a dismal week back home – during which the U.S. Men’s National Team lost back-to-back games at the CONCACAF Nations League Finals – with an equally disappointing loss in Italy.
Named to AC Milan’s starting lineup against Napoli, Pulisic wasn’t able to inspire his side as they fell to a fourth loss in six Serie A games, this time 2-1 at Napoli. But what makes this loss perhaps even worse, is that frustration within the locker room is becoming more evident publicly.
The latest example of this came as the players headed out of the locker room for the second half, with cameras catching right-back Kyle Walker, who is currently on loan from Manchester City, pleading with Chelsea loanee Joao Felix to simply “pass the ball.”
“Just pass the ball. We are not [Lionel] Messi. No one is Messi. Pass the ball,” he implored.
This is far from a great look either for Milan as a whole or for Felix who has come under increasing scrutiny as his loan spell nears its end. In fact, it emerged on Tuesday that Milan has no intention to make the Portuguese midfielder’s move to Italy permanent at the end of the season, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Further damaging Milan’s current public standing, or perhaps more specifically that of head coach Sergio Conceicao, was former player and coach Fabio Capello’s criticism of the selection of Felix in the starting lineup.
“The first half from the Rossoneri was scandalous,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Milan Reports, adding, “I also didn’t understand Conceicao’s choices: Joao Felix as a starter, against an opponent that runs like Napoli, and [Rafael] Leao on the bench. Meh…
As for Conceicao himself, he admitted post-game, as per Milan News: “I can’t express in words what I feel, it’s a disappointment. I have to calm down, today everything happened.” The Portuguese coach added that he intends to raise the level of intensity among his players, “By training to the max and being clear about what to do.
“The players have already shown they have character, we need to continue working on balance. It’s difficult for everyone in this position in the standings, but I have a group that wants to change these results. We need to start on Tuesday.”
Currently ninth in Serie A and nine points behind Bologna in the final Champions League qualifying spot, the situation is bleak for Conceicao’s side as they enter the home stretch of the season. That being said, the one crumb of comfort they have to work with is their upcoming Coppa Italia semi-final doubleheader against Inter Milan.
The first leg is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, with Conceicao targeting his second piece of silverware this season. “It is an important game, the Coppa Italia is a goal for the club,” he said.
“We have already faced it [the derby] twice, they are great challenges, like today’s. Now let’s think about the derby.”
