‘Never again’ — AC Milan coach favours USMNT star over Chukwueze, others on penalty duty

Christian Pulisic has outperformed Samuel Chukwueze in their debut seasons at AC Milan (Imago)

‘Never again’ — AC Milan coach favours USMNT star over Chukwueze, others on penalty duty

Ayoola Kelechi 22:40 - 08.10.2024

The Rossoneri boss insisted that the former Chelsea player is the first-choice penalty-taker

AC Milan’s coach Paulo Fonseca didn’t hold back after his team’s frustrating 2-1 loss to Fiorentina. The Rossoneri missed two penalties, with Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham unable to convert from the spot.

But what really got Fonseca fuming wasn't just the missed chances, but the decision to not let Christian Pulisic, the club’s usual penalty taker, step up.

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The American has a flawless record from the penalty spot, making Fonseca's frustration all the more understandable.

Fonseca's frustration with player decisions

With Milan sitting in sixth place in Serie A, just five points behind Napoli, Fonseca made it clear that such mistakes can’t be repeated. His words, both to the media and inside the dressing room, left no room for doubt—Pulisic should be the one handling penalties from now on.

Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca | Imago

The Milan coach was visibly frustrated that his players deviated from the designated taker without consulting him, especially when Pulisic's track record speaks for itself.

Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring for AC Milan on September 27, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

After the game, Fonseca expressed his disappointment, saying, “Of course I am upset [that players changed the penalty kick taker]. Christian [Pulisic] should take penalties. It must never happen again, and I told the players.”

Pulisic's perfect penalty record

Christian Pulisic’s track record from the penalty spot is flawless, making the player’s decision to keep him away from the penalty spot even more frustrating.

Cristian Pulisic celebrating a goal for AC Milan || Credit: AC Milan/X

The winger has converted all ten penalties he's taken throughout his career, including eight for the USMNT and one for AC Milan in a recent win over Venezia.

Pulisic’s consistency from the penalty spot clearly frustrated Fonseca and Milan supporters even more, as they were left wondering why he wasn’t given the chance to take either of the two penalties agianst Fiorentina.

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic is edging closer to a move to AC Milan this summer

With important matches on the horizon, including a clash against Maduka Okoye’s Udinese after the international break, Fonseca will be hoping that his firm stance on penalty duty will help Milan avoid any more costly mistakes.