Photos: Average positions show big difference between Fonseca’s and Pioli’s Milan

Paulo Fonseca has managed to turn things around after a very difficult start to the season, deploying a 4-2-4 formation in the last few games. As proved by the average position, a significant difference can already be seen compared to Stefano Pioli’s Milan. 

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Pioli was heavily criticised for his tactics last season as Milan often had huge spaces for the opponents to exploit between the departments. In other words, the players were not compact enough and this resulted in many goals conceded.

As highlighted by the average positions of the Milan players in yesterday’s 3-0 win against, compared to the first Lecce game last season, the difference is evident. The Rossoneri are far more compact under Fonseca and while 4-2-4 might sound like a crazy idea, it clearly works.

Hopefully, Milan can continue on this path and subsequently improve the defending as well, given that there is nothing to complain about up front. Defensive strength should come with this compactness but there is no doubt that fixes will have to be made to perfect the system.

Bayer Leverkusen are up next and that will be a very interesting test from a defensive point of view. The Rossoneri will be hoping to clinch at least one hoping, having lost the opener against Liverpool.