Looking back to last season, you could say several things hampered AC Milan’s chances of success. The primary one is probably due to the defensive capitulation caused by injuries. However, it is not a problem that has disappeared.
Whilst Milan finished second last season, it was not a case of finishing behind Inter, but rather ahead of everyone else. Defining last season as a race could not be done, given the Nerazzurri ran away with the title, and there can be several arguments about which part of the season they ran away, but it would be fairest to suggest when the defensive breakdown happened.
Looking on from that, Stefano Pioli had to trial several defensive structures, and this helped no one. The defence often looked sloppy, and there was a lack of connection – understandable given the circumstances, but frustrating nonetheless.
What isn’t understandable, though, is why this lack of connection has been taken into this season. Of course, there could be initial worries about a connection under a new manager. Roles change, partnerships could change, but things should not look as questionable in the back line.
As Tuttosport (via Milan News) reports, there has been one saving grace so far – Strahinja Pavlovic. The Serbian defender has been a ‘guarantee in defence’, to the extent that he is Paulo Fonseca’s only certainty.
There have been very few positives for the Rossoneri so far this season, but Pavlovic stands out. A defender who seems to enjoy the gritty part of the game. A defender who has looked a class above his peers so far.
Again Tuttosport with sensational journalism. This article would hold a lot of weight if we have 3 consecutive clean sheets for example., but to have a certainty when we’re leaking goals left, right and center.. is not wise.
Of course, Pav is having a nice couple of games with us and hopefully he would be much better as he grows with us.
So Leao who has scored and provided an assist is struggling, and Pavlovic who has admittedly scored, but also been central (literally) to Milan conceding 4 goals on two games is having a blinder?
I’m so over these media narratives which seem more about reinforcing and agitating the transfer market than anything to do with actual football.
You don’t watch games do you? Leao has had exactly 15 seconds of positive play in all 3 games combined. Trying to excuse his laziness is why he remains underperforming
So you’re blaming Pavlovic for goals but somehow forget to mention that Leao gifted the winner against Parma? Sounds unbiased. 🙂
Let’s not exagerate. I did like what I saw from him in the first game (missed the Lazio game), but we have to admit many of the goals we conceided came through him.
It’s understandable that it’s not entierly his fault, that the whole system is in shambles and it’s his first few games, but let’s not act like we have Stam here.