AC Milan have had a difficult start to life in the 2024/25 Serie A season, picking up a point from the first six available. Following the poor opening, Franco Ordine has spoken about a possible lack of respect between the squad and the new coach.
Teething problems are always expected when change occurs, and in football, this is no different. However, when a lot of things are largely the same, the level of teething should not be vast. Unfortunately for Milan, it has been so far.
In pre-season, the Rossoneri looked superb. Not only did the team seem to be understanding Paulo Fonseca’s demands, but playing to them, understanding the nuances being asked of them. However, this has not translated to the Serie A season so far.
Every positive sign from the American Tour seems a lightyear away. Pressing which was once done with meaning and aggression looks poor and timid. Passing which was once incisive and controlled now seems sloppy. Overall, it looks like two different sides.
Of course, there is time to rectify things, but with questions being asked about the Portuguese coach’s ability already, Fonseca’s time could be running out before it has even really begun.
Ordine spoke to Milan News offering his verdict on the early stages of the coach’s tenure, and questioned whether the Milan team have harmony within the squad.
Did you expect this performance in Parma?
“Obviously I didn’t expect it. For two reasons: first, because of a very encouraging pre-season. And then because I imagined that, after the clamorous mistakes in terms of defensive organisation seen against Torino, there would have been an opportunity during the week to tidy up and put things right, especially the understandings.”
“Napoli also made a mistake on their debut, taking three pats from Verona but the following week, in their second game, they didn’t make a mistake. This means that Conte made himself heard, understood and got the change of gear.”
Do you think Fonseca was unable to make himself heard in the dressing room?
“I’m not saying he wasn’t able because such a professional should be respected. I say that he was not listened to immediately.”
The technician is the first to climb into the dock. But is he really the problem of this Milan team?
“If we think that the problem is only Fonseca we have got the analysis wrong. The real point is: is there absolute harmony between the football that Fonseca wants to achieve and the willingness of the team group?”
More was expected from players regarded as technical leaders and more…
“I contest the negativity of the judgements on Leao’s account. He is becoming a kind of scapegoat, when he did things in the game that could have brought other results.”
There are four days left until the end of the market. Do you think more action is needed?
“I fiercely contest those who think Milan has made a bad market, because the four signings are all of quality. And I contest those who say Milan need a fourth striker, when they already have Morata, Jovic and Okafor.”
Where to intervene then?
“The point lies in the game strategy. If Pioli’s Milan end the season with 99 goals scored and 59 conceded it’s clear that you have to focus on the defensive phase. And if you get turnovers like that and counter-attacks like that there is something wrong.”
Fonseca made amends after Parma, also talking about collective and individual mistakes…
“If there is sharing and there is fierce motivation, after a swerve you have to get back on the high road while Milan continued to swerve.’
And to think that Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona were beaten in pre-season. How is it possible to change so quickly?
“Only one rational explanation: in pre-season, there were players who arrived from day one, who were not sure they would play. There were no national players or new signings, those who were introduced had great motivation. I highlight two of them: Saelemaekers and Chukwueze.”
Fonseca was not exactly greeted with enthusiasm among the fans. It was necessary for him to score points, possibly convincingly. The opposite is happening…
“The scenario in front is even more worrying. If it doesn’t go well against Lazio either, the picture becomes alarming.”
Is Fonseca already at risk?
“It would be very serious if he was. It would mean questioning after only three weeks a choice made a month and a half ago.”
How much more time will he be given?
“Time he has none, he has already expired at Parma.”
Do you remember such complicated starts to the season?
“Giampaolo’s but there were also a few other handicap starts to the season but there was great trust in the technical leadership to put the team back on the right track.”
How do you assess Ibrahimovic’s role and his performance?
“I liked Ibra because of the way he presented himself and managed the entry into his role. What he needs to understand is the communication aspect: Ibra is no longer the champion but Ibra is the manager. I’m not saying he has to shut down social media but be more shrewd, yes.”