After the loss to Liverpool in the Champions League, the Derby della Madonnina could not come at a worse time for AC Milan, or could it perhaps be the best time?
The start of the season has gone from poor, to worse, to worse, to slightly better, to terrible. Milan have won once, drawn twice, and lost twice, and in that time they have conceded nine goals. Of course, when you change a manager there is a process of familiarisation.
For the Rossoneri, though, this process does not seem to be beginning. Instead, it looks like players are confused by the tactics, and there is no sign of willingness to change from Paulo Fonseca. For this reason, if there is no improvement against Inter, he will be sacked as multiple reports suggest.
A big blow
Whilst Fonseca will lead the Diavolo into the Derby, whether he will be leading them after will be decided on the pitch, and as Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report this morning, another defeat will see him sacked.
It is believed the management are ‘rooting’ for him, especially after identifying him in the summer, and going for him after the Lopetegui debacle. For this reason, dismissing him now would be a big blow, especially to Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who has been a recipient of criticism since Tuesday.
Milan’s unity
Unity is the big thing for Milan, at least for now. The management have already taken stock of the situation, doing so until the late hours of the night at San Siro. After analysing the game, they defined the situation as delicate.
Gazzetta reports that they have begun evaluating scenarios, most importantly, including the option of a split from Fonseca. However, they do not want this to be the case, at least not now, with them hoping for a turning point.
A post-Liverpool alarm has been sounded, and the club is preparing itself for any option. For now, though, Milan must be a united front, even if there are ideas to move forward without Fonseca.
Poor starts
For the fans, patience is running out, and whilst everyone can take into account a period of transformation, there has been no semblance of positivity to really go off. A defeat in the Derby would mean a six point gap between themselves and Inter, whilst also creating a gap between the Diavolo and fourth place.
Alternatively, Milan could catch Inter with a positive result. Although hopes of that are worryingly low.
Therefore we return to the initial question. If a loss meant the ending of the short-lived Fonseca era, could the Derby be coming at the best time, or could it be burying a season before it has even really begun?
