It could hardly have been a more dramatic afternoon on Sunday at San Siro, one that ended thankfully with AC Milan three points higher in the table.
As MilanNews recall, the drama started when Sergio Conceicao bought Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao off after 45 minutes, continued with the yellow card for Youssouf Fofana which means he will miss the derby, the comeback in added time then the confrontation between Conceiçao and Davide Calabria at full-time.
The feeling is that for some time now so many things happen during and around matches that we never end up talking about the games themselves. Or rather, we talk about reactions, character and sadly sometimes unsavoury incidents.
It is true that since he arrived at the end of December, Conceiçao has had very little time to shape the team in training, given that Milan have played practically every three days across the Supercoppa Italiana, Serie A and Champions League.
Nonetheless, it is also true that – and the coach does not hide from this – there are errors that are too big not to be ignored and performances that leave worry. Milan press high but continue to have issues in transition, while the 4-3-3 called for by many – even pundits – looks flat and predictable.
Milan must return to fundamentals even in basic situations, such as the overlapping of the full-back when attacking on the wing to provide an option rather than cutting back being so obvious. The timing of the runs from midfielders must improve: Reijnders showed that when done well it can carve open even the deepest of deep blocks.
The win over Parma – although important points – yet another demonstration of how this team, at least against opponents who are on paper inferior, must do the basics well and let the quality of the players make the difference.
However, Conceiçao does not stop saying that, rightly, there is a lot of work to be done in terms of the style of play. This is not the Milan he has in mind, especially looking at his Porto: a compact, fast and aggressive team, that did simple but fundamentally important things.
There is one thing to take: seeing the equaliser in the 88th minute disallowed in an already depressed atmosphere would have seen many teams lay down. The reaction from there on was extraordinary, and that is the big thing to take so far from Conceicao’s tenure.
No. Milan must be bold to part ways with players like Leao and Theo this summer. Players who are underperforming needs to go and there are players who cannot be recovered such as Leao and Theo.
Now I understand why Milan was trying to sign Rashford. The writing is on the wall for Leao and Theo.
About time Milan part ways with Leao and Theo. Nothing more to offer from those two. Facts!
Both above comments correct , body language from Theo and leao is shocking , leao laughing and smirking , get rid asap , doesn’t seem to care
Ollie’s words from the end of this article.
“There is one thing to take: seeing the equaliser in the 88th minute disallowed in an already depressed atmosphere would have seen many teams lay down. The reaction from there on was extraordinary, and that is the big thing to take so far from Conceicao’s tenure.”
This is such a good point. I had the same thoughts after the game. To get that goal in the 88th min to equalise. Then have it ruled out.
But to still come again and get 2 goals in the final 6 mins. Plus their could have been another to Jovic.
The mental strength of this comeback was immense.
It was huge crises in Ac Milan results after loss in europa league 1:0 against Roma.
Pioli loss almost all matches untill end of the season. Only one win. He got sacked and Fonseca returned.
Still Milan just started with Fonseca to win some of the games. In 19 games in a row in all competitions, since that Roma defeat, Milan had won only 5 games.
And now in last 22 games, Milan reached 13 wins. It is not nice game play, but they finally started to wining. Which they now must keep pushing to reach 5th position in serie a. I think in UCL is big win to reach quarter finals this year.
And I think if they manage to win 10 more games in serie a this season, they will reach UCL next year also.
Milan should goes hard on Marcus Radford please
The thing with players like Leao and Theo is that when they’re good, they’re absolutely good. But when they’re bad, they’re extremely bad. There’s no middle ground.
1 thing i learned,
Leao and Theo thrive in big games, so, just bench them during small games, and sub them in during 60 mins of game
This way, our sub can play too
“Leao and Theo thrive in big games,”
I thought Juve match 2 weeks ago was big. Did they thrive? LOL. No need to answer. We all know the answer.
They have mostly stepped up in the big games this season, and look much less interested in playing the smaller teams. It’s true.