When AC Milan captured the Scudetto last season, there was some belief that an early exit from the Champions League was actually a blessing in disguise for the team.
This season’s Champions League journey brought the Rossoneri back to the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years, but on the flip side Milan have also had a poor 2023 from a results point of view.
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The added pressure of six Champions League games spread across three knockout two-legged ties probably influenced the physical and psychological strength of Stefano Pioli’s group.
Sky (via MilanNews) with a graphic highlighted the numbers of Milan from January 2022 to the end of the season compared to those from January 2023 to the present day, with last season’s group stage elimination and this year’s much deeper run.
Games played
2022: 19
2023: 20
Games won
2022: 13
2023: 7
Games drawn
2022: 5
2023: 7
Games lost
2022: 1
2023: 6
Average points
2022: 2.31
2023: 1.4
Average goals scored
2022: 1.52
2023: 1.3
Average goals conceded
2022: 0.47
2023: 1.3
As I wrote yesterday: a lot of conceded.
Milan could cut by half lost games just if they played more compact defence this year and gain some more points…
Why the change away from the 3421 formasjon. They outclassed tottenham with it. Playing good football… the 4231 is doubbl3 edge Stord, specally when alot of teams play with 5 at the back pushing up and getting 5 in the middel vs milans 2 midfilders.