On the back of five straight wins – the latest a 3-0 thumping over Livorno – AC Milan have skyrocketed back into European qualification contention, as they now sit 6th in the table, equal with surprise package Parma on 51 points.
This is a vast improvement from the 12th spot they found themselves in only a month ago and at the time struggling to buy a win. What then looked like a pipe-dream, now looks like being a certainty, with Parma really suffering for form, winning only one of their past seven games and traveling in the opposite direction to the Rossoneri form-wise.
The Italian giants have flourished under the tutelage of Clarence Seedorf of late, and they finally look to be coming to grips with the Dutchman’s philosophies and ideas. Under scrutiny to keep his job for next season not long ago, Seedorf now looks a safe bet to be entrusted with the reins to manage Milan next season as well.
With European football a real probability now, this begs the question, will Milan being in the Europa League next season be a hindrance or will it be beneficial to Seedorf’s side?
Let’s start off with the cons. Firstly, European football will mean more games for the Rossoneri next season, and with Europa League games being played on Thursday nights, this leaves the squad with not much time left to prepare for the weekend league matches. Seedorf may rather much have just the league to concentrate on as they will be expected to be back fighting for Champions League football qualification at the very least from their demanding fans and board after such a lackluster season this time around.
A phrase that is usually associated with Milan is that ‘the Champions League is in their DNA’. Sacrificing a potential Europa League run for a better chance of competing with Europe’s elite again may be what best for Seedorf’s men as chairman Silvio Berlusconi will surely not approve his side missing out on the Champions League for two seasons running. Seedorf will have only the league to solely prepare for, and thus the team will be much better equipped for an assault on the top European spot without the added distraction of extra games.
So what are the benefits of qualifying for the Europa League? Well firstly, it gives the Rossoneri a chance to cope with the pressure of competing on two fronts when they do eventually secure access to the Champions League once again. Playing in the Europa League will also allow Milan to juggle their squad and allow their youth to have a chance to flourish and stake a claim for more opportunities.
Young guns like Riccardo Saponara, Andrea Petagna, Bryan Cristante and Gabriel have all had their development stalled as a result of barely any game time this season, and the Europa League will give them a platform to showcase their talents if Milan does qualify.
It will also allow fringe players such much needed match practice that will assist them when they do have to fill in during the important games in the league season. Players like Robinho, Urby Emanuelson and Christian Zaccardo will all welcome the chance to ply their trade in the Europa League and gain more time on the pitch.
Failure to qualify for the Europa League will also mean that Milan will not attain the financial benefits of playing in a European competition. Qualification to the Europa League means the club would gain around €8 million in prize money, bonuses and TV market pool share, which would be a welcome addition to the coffers at Milan.
Milan’s season wouldn’t really feel like one without European football. As mentioned above, it is in their blood and with their history as one of Europe’s giants in football, it will be a crime if they don’t play in a continental cup, be it the Europa League.
The last time Milan failed to qualify for Europe was in the 1997/98 season when they finished in 10th place so it has been a long time since the fans have been deprived of European football, and they’ll no doubt be hoping that the Rossoneri get that sixth spot and the final Europa League place.
