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Massimiliano Allegri will make changes for AC Milan’s game against Lecce tonight, but he will keep Santiago Gimenez out there.
As Calciomercato.com write, Gimenez must ensure that his goal drought doesn’t become too much of a burden amid a difficult start to the season. Igli Tare was open to letting the Mexican go, as his comments before the last Lecce game even confirmed, but in the end he stayed.
Allegri’s plan and the external noise
The planned rotation for the Lecce match won’t involve Gimenez. Instead, he will partner Christopher Nkunku in attack. The coach’s aim is to give him another chance – one easier on paper – to find his first goal of the season after failing to score in the first four league games and against Bari.
Against Bologna and Udinese, he missed two one-on-one chances. Allegri kept Gimenez on the pitch until the end, and tonight he’ll try again, demonstrating confidence in his ability. Now it’s up to the former Feyenoord man to repay the investment, both economically and in terms of faith.
The issue is that Milan already have Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leoa and Nkunku, so Gimenez risks being on the margins unless he starts to produce. Santi is a player with obvious qualities, but he must prove himself mentally to withstand the pressure of a club like Milan.
The club has a rather clear line: patience and faith in Gimenez, but nothing can be ruled out ahead of January. The summer contenders – Sunderland, Roma and Fenerbahçe to name three – can begin planning a new attempt.
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