AC Milan could have started something this weekend, but instead were left dead after the opening 20 minutes, something which many have deemed embarrassing.
As football fans, the minimum nine times out of 10 is for effort to be shown, and Milan seemingly lacked that against Napoli this weekend, falling two goals behind in 20 minutes. Perhaps, if there was more fighting spirit shown, it would not be such a crime, but the Rossoneri seemed to give in almost before a ball was even kicked.
There is such a visible lack of application within this squad, and this has left fans frustrated time and time again, and whilst criticism has been present throughout the year, it is now getting harsher from each source of criticism.
Today, Massimo Ambrosini has spoken his mind on the situation when speaking to DAZN, via Calciomercato.com.
“Inexplicable and difficult to give a reason for. The team is strong, but incapable of managing the start of matches. They would have deserved it in light of what they did in the second half, but as long as they were in the match, Napoli played better.”
There is still time for something to be achieved this season, but the window has closed massively, and the task has gotten much more out of reach. A dangerous combination, which leaves everyone needing, and more importantly, desperately wanting more.
There is one, and exactly one, person responsible for the start of a match. That is the coach. Sarge has shown no ability to ready his players for the first 5-10 min of a match. Worse there is no strategy for doing so where we can see progress.
There are many contributing factors to this but the mix and match line ups, lack of any sort of common approach to the game (ie the only space we pass into is behind the back line of the opponent), the constant over dribbling of Reinjders, Leao, Pavlovich, Felix and Fofana.
That last point shows those players have no real belief in any sort of system (if one exists) and feel the need to take it upon themselves.
WHile there was no preseason, Sarge has had 3 months with these players. What we see on the field is that 3 more months will lead us lower in the table.
I didn’t expect to beat Napoli yesterday. I did expect to compete. We did not. SMH
Yep embarrassing, I must admit I’m pretty shocked by what I’ve seen from Conceicao. I knew it wasn’t going to he smooth taking over this team midseason but the lack of identity and genuine lack of tactics is truly shocking at this stage is shocking. For his faults with man management Fonseca did have a plan and a vision. I still think the biggest problem is the players but Conceicao lack of tactics or ability to teach his tactics is a big issue.
I’m not going to say I told you so because I definitely wanted Conceicao over the summer. But midseason coaching changes never seem help much.
There’s not a player on this team that is irreplaceable. The squad needs to be broken up as the players clearly don’t make each other better. The toxic atmosphere around the club is definitely having an effect, the missed pks are the sign that there is no confidence.
The irony is Milan are last seasons Napoli
Fonseca wanted Fofana as DM which he played well in that role. He wanted ball movement and off ball runs to open space. He wanted to hold the ball by utilizing quick passing and switches instead of just punting it long to opposition cb. He wanted a high press with specific trappings sequences. He wanted work rate so his high press wouldn’t be so exposed. He had a plan and was implementing it, they players weren’t buying in like with Pioli and probably with Conceicao. Not saying he was/is the best coach for Milan but I suspect if he wasn’t fired Milan would still be fighting for cl places.
I don’t think you have a good read on the game if you couldn’t see what Fonseca was trying to do. Fonseca failed for the same reason Pioli was fired. It doesn’t matter who is the coach, this team is broken and appears to be uncoachable. Until there is significant play turnover the results will be the same…
Milan best 2 result this season was achieved by Foncesa victory at Madrid and the Derby vs Inter. Those wins are actually achieved with the Rossoneri playing the best football we saw in ages.
The super coppa trophy won is done to the work of Foncesa as Conceicoa did not have any input to the players. His only credit was the substitutions and coming from the behind wins in Super coppa. Who knows if we even had to come from behind to win with Foncesa
My point is while I am not a huge fan of Foncesa. I strongly belive that keeping him is better than Conceicoa who is over a
Rated because of his achievements in the average Portuguese league with Just 2 top teams
Mancini and Allegri would have the best to replace Foncesa.
Ibra should be given complete control, no exceptions. This whole in-between has been too toxic. Ibra should be given the CEO or President position. Make it official.