Last season, AC Milan had several issues across the pitch and, in fairness, off of it as well. Now, those problems are fading.
Looking back at the situation 12 months ago, Milan had just spent a fortune in the January mercato in an attempt to settle the club. Throughout the season, protests had been regular, whilst the Rossoneri were also struggling to compete on the field.
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The Scudetto was a distant thought and it seemed that a place in the Champions League was unlikely. Then, you had the fact that the Diavolo were on their second coach of the season and already cracks were appearing.
It was certainly problematic.
Defensive upgrade
Fast forward 12 months and the club looks much different, in a good way. There is solidity on the sidelines and the Champions League seems a much more likely possibility. Even the Scudetto seems like a not-too-distant dream.
As Corriere dello Sport writes, via MilanPress, the differences are tangible, but they are perhaps felt the most in defence.
At this stage last year, Milan had conceded 23 goals, whilst the current squad have only conceded 17. If those numbers were repeated now, then Allegri’s side would be the worst defenders in the European fight, whereas they currently rank second.
Under the Italian, it has been a case of going back to basics, using the defence as a literal foundation. A simple concept, but a clear one. Clarity has certainly been found with the new coach, which again was missing last year and that goes for his ideas and personnel.
Honestly, it is the cycle of our club (and most clubs). We had a sensible guy in Pioli. Everyone agrees his cycle ended and he wasnt going to take us any higher. Great guy, stabilize the club. We wanted more attacking play, so we went after coaches with “attacking” schemes. (hence not a Mou or a Benitez type). We landed on Fonseca. We did score more and played more open. but lost a bunch of games because we were freaking open. Now we overcompensate and got Allegri, who even though has surprised me with how flexible he has been, is and will always be a results first, no fuzz, no flair defense first guy. We are doing better. But just like his first stint with us and his stint at Juventus (and honestly, most defensive coaches). There comes a point where wining 1-0 isnt enough. He gets sacked, the club goes again into an “attacking” coach. Unless you are lucky or hire trully elite coaches, you end up back with Fonseca type and the cycle repeats.
I was so wrong on Fonseca because being respected and liked by your players is the key to building a successful team.
We should’ve gone for Conte, Mourinho or another winning coach.
This is why Allegri was the right choice. He is a winner and easy for the players to get behind. Fun fact, forwards love Mourinho.
They love playing under him because they win.