AC Milan currently find themselves in quicksand and they are unable to get themselves out of the current difficult situation, having now racked up five games without a win.
This morning’s edition of Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) describes Milan as a team officially in crisis and one which has lost many of the certainties which made them so strong in the Scudetto winning campaign.
Milan are lacking in physical condition, mental strength and tactical dynamics. Starting with the mental aspect, it seems that Roger Ibanez’s header to get Roma back into the game at San Siro was like a cannonball hitting a wall, reducing it to rubble.
The Rossoneri are also lacking that spirit which came out last season but also under Pioli’s tenure in general, especially in the great moments of difficulty. The dull and empty performance at the Olimpico was unacceptable, especially after a 3-0 defeat against rivals Inter in the Supercoppa less than a week earlier.
In the dressing room it is clear that there are no leaders who were able to drive the team last year, with Mike Maignan injured and Simon Kjaer not playing much, while Alessandro Florenzi and above all Zlatan Ibrahimovic are also on the sidelines.
Injuries also has a big part to play. In the forward department Ante Rebic and Divock Origi have played very little, forcing Olivier Giroud to work overtime. Above all, however, Maignan has now been out for over four months due to two calf injuries and his absence hurts because of his ability but also his leadership.
Added to this is the World Cup in Qatar which saw the French duo of Giroud and Theo Hernandez return understandably exhausted and without the possibility of being rested for the above reasons.
Finally, there is also a tactical aspect to evaluate: Milan’s 4-2-3-1 formation – especially this year with attacking midfielders like Diaz and De Ketelaere – is very attacking and the two midfielders often find themselves working twice as hard and with greater frenzy. Pioli will have to find solutions.
