There have been three main candidates linked with the AC Milan job in recent weeks, and today, a report has looked into how the trio could set up their sides.
Talk has been rife about the future recently, and it makes sense why, with this season pretty much over for Milan. So, without much excitement, the Rossoneri are looking to build something for next season and build excitement.
Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) then published a piece about the lineups that we could see next season, in the style of each of the head coaches linked to the Diavolo (without taking into account any possible transfers), and there are certainly some interesting choices.
Starting with Antonio Conte, he would look to move the Rossoneri to a three-at-the-back system, which has been his go-to in recent years. Kyle Walker would invert as a right-sided central defender, joined by Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic.
Alex Jimenez and Theo Hernandez would flank Tijjni Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana, whilst Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez and Rafael Leao would dictate the play up front.
For Roberto De Zerbi and Massimiliano Allegri, it would be a case of a 4-2-3-1, though there would be very few personnel changes. Both would have a backline featuring Walker, Pavlovic and Theo, though De Zerbi would go with Thiaw, whilst Allegri prefers Tomori.
Fofana would be pivotal to both, though De Zerbi would ideally have him partnering Reijnders, with Christian Pulisic in front. Then, Alex Jimenez and Rafael Leao would sit on the flanks.
For Allegri, it would be Bondo and Fofana in the pivot, allowing Tijji to roam in a more advanced position. Pulisic, then, would sit on the wing with Leao, whilst Gimenez would lead the starting XI of both teams.
Mike Maignan would, for all three, be the first-choice goalkeeper. Whilst Walker, Pavlovic, Hernandez, Reijnders, Fofana, Pulisic, Leao and Gimenez would also be key to all.
Based on the formation alone I’d choose Conti (even though I sort of hate the guy). Tired of watching Milan play with backline of 4.
*Conte.
As shaky as our defenders seem at times (especially Theo and Tomori), the problem was never the back 4. The problem is insisting on the double-pivot in the midfield, but utilizing players who are not suitable for the role.
The go-to textbook example of a perfect double-pivot system is Bayern Munich with Kimich and Goretzka at their prime.
Apart from Fofana we don’t have any suitable player for the role.
Bondo is fine, but he needs time. He should be a bench player.
Musah is trying, but the role isn’t coming to him naturally. Similar case to Adli.
I can name 10 coaches who tried to play Loftus-Cheek in this position, but it requires much higher football IQ than he has.
Tijjani cannot tackle a 5 year old child, besides, he’s best performances have always been at the number 10 position, so we shouldn’t waste his talent by playing him in that position.
It really is very simple. But the management likes to complicate football.
This is also the reason I thought selling Sandro Tonali and Bennacer were massive mistakes.
I admit that they were always my favorite players on the team, but this isn’t why we should’ve kept them.
Our system is built on players of their quality and characteristics, but we keep selling them, or fail to keep them.
First Kessie.. then Tonali.. then Bennacer
I wouldn’t be surprised if Fofana is sold over the summer.
Juuuuust because he is the one player who should be untouchable at this point (due to his role not performance).. just because of that alone, I wouldn’t be surprised if they decided to get rid of him.
It genuinely seems like they are playing mind games with the supporters at this point
“As shaky as our defenders seem at times (especially Theo and Tomori), the problem was never the back 4. ”
No, but that would allow to overhaul the whole midfield and attack.