Why Chukwueze and Okafor must pray for AC Milan to hire Ex-Real Madrid man Lopetegui

AC Milan forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor | Imago

Why Chukwueze and Okafor must pray for AC Milan to hire Ex-Real Madrid man Lopetegui

Ayoola Kelechi 19:50 - 29.04.2024

The two underperforming AC Milan wingers could do with fresh managerial energy with Julien Lopetegui likely to lead the Rossoneri next season

As AC Milan prepares for a potential managerial change ahead of the upcoming season, the spotlight shines on Julen Lopetegui as the frontrunner to take the reins at San Siro. Amidst the speculation surrounding Stefano Pioli's successor,

Lopetegui's potential arrival carries significant implications, particularly for two of Milan's summer signings, Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor.

Potential revival for Chukwueze and Okafor

With Lopetegui's penchant for dynamic attacking wingers, Chukwueze could emerge as a pivotal figure at San Siro in the upcoming campaign. Having endured a mixed debut season with Milan, the Nigerian international possesses the skillset to thrive under Lopetegui's guidance. Cultural familiarity, stemming from Chukwueze's previous stint at Villarreal, could further enhance his prospects of flourishing under the Spanish coach's tutelage.

Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor playing for AC Milan | Imago
Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor playing for AC Milan | Imago

Similarly, Okafor stands to benefit from Lopetegui's tactical approach, particularly in his utilisation as a central forward. La Gazzetta asserts that Okafor's attributes align well with Lopetegui's preference for systems featuring a false nine. The Swiss international's versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him an ideal candidate to spearhead Milan's attacking endeavours under Lopetegui's stewardship.

Tactical Deployments

Furthermore, Lopetegui's potential arrival at Milan could usher in strategic adjustments across various positions. Pierre Kalulu is earmarked for a role at right-back, while Reijnders is slated to operate as a box-to-box midfielder within a 4-3-3 formation. Such tactical reshuffles underscore Lopetegui's meticulous approach and his intention to optimise the squad's strengths to propel Milan's ambitions in the upcoming season.

The impending appointment of Julen Lopetegui as AC Milan's next coach holds significant implications for Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor. With Lopetegui's track record of nurturing attacking talents and implementing tactical innovations, Chukwueze and Okafor stand poised for a potential resurgence at San Siro. As the Rossoneri await their managerial decision, Chukwueze and Okafor can only hope that Lopetegui's arrival materialises, offering them a fresh start and renewed opportunities to shine in Serie A.

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