Andrea Longoni praised Milan for their win against Lazio last night but also highlighted the need for reinforcements, stating that the management must act in January.
It was another narrow win for Milan at San Siro, beating Lazio with the same scoreline as against Inter one week ago. While praise needs to be handed out to the players and Massimiliano Allegri for this, the Rossoneri also shouldn’t turn a blind eye to their problems.
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In his post-match editorial for MilanNews, the journalist Andrea Longoni highlighted the need for some January signings. Only two substitutions were made last night and clearly, Milan must find ways to win games without suffering so much.
“Milan won another six-pointer, once again narrowly. The three points are crucial and further fuel their Scudetto dreams. Their temporary lead at the top of the standings is a tremendous achievement, looking forward to today’s matches.
“However, the squad’s problem remains evident and that needs to be solved in January. There are limited choices in terms of alternatives, both numerically and in certain positions, qualitatively. The numbers speak for themselves.
“Milan are the team with the least amount of subs on average: fewer than 3.5 substitutions per game, compared to 4.5 for the others. Yesterday, there were only 2. In the era of 5 substitutions, this is equivalent to being at a disadvantage: the fault isn’t Allegri’s, but the management’s.
“The transfer window opens in a month and the squad will need to be completed, filling the obvious gaps. A centre-back is needed who can act as an alternative to Gabbia if needed (Odogu can’t be that). A right-back is needed who can give Saelemaekers some rest. And then, we need a centre-forward,” he writes.
The feeling is definitely that something will happen during the January window, but the question is whether Milan will satisfy Allegri’s wishes completely or just partially. The reality is that the Scudetto remains within reach and if they can, the Rossoneri should go for it.
Tare needs to re-sign Maignan. We throw $35m at Nkunku and $3m at Giminez and will have to pay more to replace Magic Mike.
Modric needs a break. His play has declined the last 2-3 games.
We need a true back to goal striker and another center back. That’s it.
$30m for Gimenez
Jashari is perfectly able to play and Ricci can do more than 10 minutes. De Winter can play, Estupinian can replace Bartesaghi. We are short upfront for sure due to injuries, but Allegri does less substitutions. It is his choice, not saying is a wrong one. At Juventus it was the same.
How on earth do we need a right back with Athakahme in the squad. You journalist just sprout nonsense. The squad is big enough if everyone is fit. You can’t have 5 top quality CB if you are not man city or Madrid. Dewinter and Odogwu are good enough to get is top 4
Agree. We definitely do not need a defender. We have great cbs woth even better synergy and the subs are enough.
People are complaining about Odogwu, but he is not even a sub, he is a reserve and yet he did not play any game. You just cannot buy a top tier (possibly expensive) cb to be a reserve and play one game in a year
I was surprised Jashari didn’t get a few mins against Lazio. Maybe a second goal would have seen him get a few mins in.
Agreed. Would be surprised if he doesn’t start and play most of the game against Lazio in the Coppa this week.
In addition, there is a general mentality problem. What team plays defensive from the blast of the whistle? The players don’t go all out to win the ball. Against Lazio, it was a lazy team, not accurately completing most passes. Maignan continues to be the saviour. Milan is not yet a European standard side.