MN: ‘Wants to be reborn’ – Allegri keeps faith in Gimenez but chances may be running out

Santiago Gimenez did not have the easiest of nights against Bologna on Sunday, missing a couple of big chances. However, he will get another shot.

As MilanNews recall, the last image of Gimenez on a football field was him looking distraught after hitting the post after rounding the goalkeeper. He was then substituted, with some jeeers from the San Siro crowd, but they were quickly drowned out by the applause.

The encouragement began both with Luka Modric on the pitch and Massimiliano Allegri in his technical area, as a show of solidarity. The Mexican will try again in Udine, hoping he can find the goal that will bring him back to life.

Keeping his spot

Gimenez will also be a starter tomorrow when Milan face Udinese away. Admittedly, Allegri’s choice is largely driven by contingent circumstances: Rafael Leao is sidelined by a calf injury and Christopher Nkunku is not close to being fully fit yet.

The Mexican will start alongside Christian Pulisic – who set up him up for the chance he missed a few days ago – and he has a duty to take this chance. Whether due to being offside or bad finishing, Gimenez has often come close to scoring but has wasted opportunities.

In addition to telling the San Siro crowd to clap the striker off, Allegri also added some words today in the press conference: “He had many chances, he must stay calm because he has always scored and will score.”

This is the path indicated by the coach and getting another start will have to be a boost for El Bebote, who ‘wants to be reborn’. His condition is improving, with Gimenez having only starter preseason training at the beginning of August due to the Gold Cup.

The time for excuses is over though: Milan invested €35m to sign him from Feyenoord and the best currency to start repaying that investment is goals. Starting immediately, otherwise Nkunku is ready to step in, and Rafael Leao will be too.