Legendary ex-AC Milan manager explains Pulisic and Musah's role in San Siro transfer issue.

Capello Breaks Silence: Unveiling the Pulisic & Musah Conundrum at AC Milan

Arrigo Sacchi, the mastermind behind AC Milan's two iconic Champions League victories in the late 1880s, recently emerged from his self-imposed media exile to dissect the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah at the San Siro.

Pulisic, the American winger on loan from Chelsea, has sparkled in flashes for Milan, showcasing his dribbling skills and creativity on the flanks. However, questions remain about his consistency and ability to fully integrate into Stefano Pioli's system. Meanwhile, Musah, the highly-rated American midfielder recently acquired from Valencia, is yet to make a first-team appearance, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering about his role in the squad.

Sacchi, known for his revolutionary zonal marking tactics and emphasis on attacking football, offered a unique perspective on the situation. Here's a breakdown of his insights:

Pulisic's Milan Mission: Finding Balance

Sacchi acknowledged Pulisic's undeniable talent: "Pulisic is a quick player with good dribbling skills. He can create something special out of nothing." However, he highlighted the need for tactical adaptation: "The challenge for him is understanding his role within the team's structure. At Milan, wingers are expected to contribute defensively as well. They need to track back, press effectively, and maintain the team's shape."

Sacchi believes Pulisic can excel at Milan if he embraces this tactical discipline: "If he can learn to find the balance between attacking flair and defensive responsibility, he can be a valuable asset for Pioli. It's about understanding that at Milan, individual brilliance needs to be complemented by collective effort."

Musah's Milan Move: A Calculated Gamble

Regarding Musah, Sacchi offered a more cautious outlook. "Musah is a young player with great potential. He is strong on the ball, good at breaking lines with his passing, and possesses a strong work ethic." However, Sacchi emphasized the fierce competition for midfield places at Milan: "The likes of Bennacer, Tonali, and Kessie are world-class operators. Earning a starting spot won't be easy for Musah."

Sacchi suggested Musah's role might lie in the future: "Perhaps this move is a long-term play by Milan. He can learn from the experienced midfielders around him, adapt to Serie A's intensity, and be ready to challenge for a starting role in the seasons to come."

Lessons from the Past: The Kaka Conundrum

To illustrate his point, Sacchi referenced a similar situation from his own reign at Milan: "We had a young Kaka back then, brimming with talent. But there was Rui Costa, a phenomenal player, ahead of him in the pecking order. We gave Kaka time to develop, and eventually, he became a world-beater."

Sacchi believes patience is key with young talents like Musah: "Greatness takes time. Not every young player can come in and dominate immediately. Musah needs to be patient, learn from his training sessions, and be ready for his chance when it comes."

The American Influence: A Double-Edged Sword

While acknowledging the growing American fanbase of AC Milan, Sacchi cautioned against excessive hype: "The American market is important for Milan, but transfer decisions should be based on footballing merit, not just marketability."

Sacchi believes Pulisic and Musah need to prove themselves on the pitch: "They have the talent to succeed at Milan, but they need to work hard, adapt to the system, and earn their place in the team. The fans will appreciate their efforts if they contribute to winning trophies."

A Final Word: Milan's Midfield Identity

In conclusion, Sacchi addressed the broader question of Milan's midfield identity: "Pioli has built a successful team with a strong midfield base. The question is not whether Pulisic or Musah fit in, but how they can enhance what's already there. If they can add their unique qualities while adhering to the team's philosophy, then Milan can become an even more formidable force."

Arrigo Sacchi's insights provide a valuable perspective on the Pulisic and Musah transfer saga. While Pulisic needs to adapt tactically, Musah's role might be more long-term. Ultimately, their success will depend on their ability to integrate into Pioli's system and contribute to the team's collective achievements. The coming season will be a test for both players, and their performances will be closely watched by fans, pundits, and perhaps even the legendary Arrigo Sacchi himself.

USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah structure part of the exchange issue that is keeping AC Milan down, says Arrigo Sacchi.

The US internationals advanced toward San Siro throughout the mid year of 2023 - with moves finished from Chelsea and Valencia individually. Pulisic and Musah have added to the aggregate reason in Milan, with their work rate being respected, however the Rossoneri have battled for consistency.

Asked by Gazzetta dello Game to attempt to make sense of those issues, Sacchi - who directed the club to the Serie A title and two European Cup wins during his experience as chief - said: "Essentially: it's anything but a crew. I ought to say, at times it is and some of the time it seems to be finished murkiness. 

There is no congruity, it's excessively fluctuating. In Salerno there was no aggregate thought, yet a gathering that was dissipated all around the pitch. Everybody does whatever they might want to do. The safeguard is in trouble on the grounds that the assailants aren't making a difference. This is the genuine issue. The truth of the matter is that there are players who don't have coherence of execution."

Sacchi proceeded to say of how bargains for any semblance of Pulisic and Musah have not worked out as anticipated Milan: "As I would see it, in the late spring move market. Just unfamiliar players were acquired, who hadn't had splendid encounters ahead of time.

Likewise, they needed to become accustomed to Italian football. Yet, we really want to comprehend that it tends to be challenging for youthful fellows showing up from abroad to get comfortable right away. Indeed, even incredible heroes have experienced issues toward the start.

In the event that you construct a totally new group in view of outsiders, you really want to have persistence. Be that as it may, persistence in football, as we probably are aware, is an uncommon ware."

Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Salernitana in their last apparatus, prompting more tension being lumped onto the shoulders of supervisor Stefano Pioli. Sacchi said when tested on whether an adjustment of the hole could be made:

"I don't figure the issue will be tackled by disposing of the mentor. Pioli has done extraordinary things, yet he hasn't figured out how to show coherence in his work. Be that as it may, it should be said, I couldn't say whether there is anybody around who might have the option to carry coherence to this crew."

Milan will be back in real life while playing host to Sassuolo on December 30. They will participate in that challenge sat third in the Serie A standings, 11 focuses back on table-garnish most despised rivals Entomb and with Pulisic and Co under the gun to convey an inversion in fortune heading into 2024.