AC Milan are less than two weeks away from the start of the season and it’s fair to say that there are quite a few complaints about things.
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When you look at pre-season, there is an underlying worry about what is to come amongst the fanbase. Of course, pre-season is not the be-all and end-all. However, the signs are not fantastic and a lot of work needs to be done in a short space of time.
In addition to this, there are probably a few signings that need to be made before that point. All in all, it’s an incomplete squad that is still struggling to match its new identity. A bad mixture, really.
Before the Torino game, though, there is Manchester United this weekend, so improvements can be made.
Changes needed
In a column for MilanNews this afternoon, Manuel Del Vecchio has discussed the issues facing the Rossoneri as the season draws nearer.
“Celtic, Inter, and Chelsea have always seen a different Milan. And then mixed, remixed, and mixed again. Amorim rightly observed, tested, and finally evaluated.
“So much so that we’ve reached one of the key junctures in the Rossoneri transfer market: this week, the surplus players and players outside the technical project will leave, or begin to leave. A meeting will also be held between Cardinale and the Portuguese coach, which should expedite several exits and, hopefully, also incomings.
“AC Milan are still a work in progress. There doesn’t seem to be any certainties yet, except for Ramos, Modric, and Gila, currently injured and expected to return to the squad soon. This is the backbone of AC Milan’s recovery.
“Other key players, such as Pulisic (injured), Maignan, and Rabiot (still on vacation), haven’t yet been tested by Amorim, but once they’re available, they could be considered key players.
“But Serie A and the schedule don’t wait for the transfer window, nor for players to recover or return from vacation. On August 15th, they travel to Poland to face Manchester United, and it will be the last test before the league opener against Torino, away at the Granata’s stadium.
“It’s a tough match, especially since the very combative Ignazio Abate will be on the bench. Amorim therefore has just one more match to test and not worry about the result, but it’s also time to start testing the team that will take to the field at the Olimpico Grande Torino.
“Hopefully, in this first month of work, Amorim has already found a small team , something that works in his head, and players he can rely on. Obviously, it’s inevitable that the debut will be without a full squad, with the transfer market bringing further incomings and outgoings.
“However, after Chelsea, the Portuguese coach already seemed to be set on this line of thinking, at least judging from his comments. If Milan is truly ready, the pitch will tell.”