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In a fiery pre-Atalanta press conference, AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli didn’t hold back when addressing the underwhelming performance of Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze.
With Christian Pulisic shining on the right flank, Pioli minced no words, challenging Chukwueze to elevate his game or face the consequences.
Since his much-anticipated arrival from Villarreal last summer, Chukwueze has failed to deliver the goods at the San Siro.
Despite his undeniable talent, the 24-year-old has struggled to find the back of the net or provide crucial assists, a stark contrast to Pulisic’s impressive tally of eight goals and seven assists in all competitions for Milan.
The message sent out was clear: there’s no room for mediocrity at AC Milan, especially with fierce competition for starting spots heating up.
“Pulisic and Chukwueze have the same characteristics,” Pioli declared, his voice cutting through the tension in the press room.
“Pulisic scores goals, assists, and works. Chukwueze needs to step up. He needs to score goals, he needs to get assists, and he needs to work.”
Once hailed as a rising star, he now finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, his lacklustre performances casting doubt on his future with the Rossoneri.
Pioli’s comparison of Chukwueze to Pulisic, the dynamic American winger who has taken Serie A by storm since his arrival, only served to highlight the Nigerian’s shortcomings.
While Pulisic has seamlessly integrated into Milan’s system, the Nigerian as struggled to make an impact, leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads in frustration.