Problems at AC Milan that still need resolving

Date: 26th September 2016 at 8:24pm
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Despite minor improvements that may have resulted in fresh optimism, the fact remains AC Milan matches are hard to watch at present.

AC Milan Udinese Suso Gabriel Paletta

Ignoring all the drama that has existed away from the pitch, the need for positive results and continued excellence was a must for the Rossoneri going into this turbulent period. However, the shaky situation with their ownership has been mirrored by equally puzzling displays; with their status as European heavyweights coming under increasing scrutiny. The work of new boss Vincenzo Montella may be encouraging, but fans could be forgiven for holding a pessimistic viewpoint after countless months of false hope around AC Milan.

So why have Milan being playing so badly? Aside from the confusion of half a dozen different head coaches the popular opinion is their inherent problems are purely psychological. This is the view held by previous coaches and former players, believing the expectation on the players to succeed, the pressure that emerges as a result of shortcomings and the pantomime of the club’s running makes for a potent cocktail of anxiety and apprehension. Other times there have been questions raised over the tactics employed by the coaches, but by and large the football has featured the same glaring failings that have enraged Milan fans for years now.

The style of play at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza the past few seasons has been desperately slow. The majority of possession has come from the centre-back pair, who feel inclined to play long balls from their deep position so as to start attacking moves. Time and space may be afforded to the centre-backs, but any high pressing from the opponent makes this an impossible task not to mention the lack of sophistication when it comes to formulating attacks. The long ball into the vicinity of the striker is a tactic that screams desperation and incompetence and isn’t something that should be expected of seven-time Champions League winners.

romagnoli

A lack of pressing, which while common in Serie A, does restrict Milan in so far as possession is concerned. Both current coach Montella and previous boss Sinisa Mihajlovic encouraged greater application to winning the ball back, but have struggled to translate it to their players on the field. The desire to win the ball back becomes very much a question of character with more industrious players such as Carlos Bacca and Juraj Kucka making the effort. There are occasions where the desire to win the ball back is so lacklustre that possession is only regained once the opponent has had an attempt on target; an infuriating outcome for fans.

In the event a Milan player did have possession and was in space, a lack of conviction meant they may as well be swamped by defenders. A quality of delivery from crosses has regularly been questioned and a lack of cutting edge in the final third has been equally as apparent. The reliance on the full-backs to swing in crosses as been very much the case since Ignazio Abate took up residence at right-back, but time and again players would fail to find a man. This isn’t to say Abate has been the problem, far from it, he has been one of the more prolific chance creators, but really the questioned should be posed to the more attacking minded figures.

Ignazio Abate - AC Milan

Subject defending has, mercifully, eased in recent months but confidence always seems in short supply from set pieces. The presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma has certainly had an effect and lifted those in front of him and, with his continued development, could see the defensive end of Milan’s game become the more assured of positions. Comparatively, the midfield is arguably the area that needs the greatest amount of attention; the limited effect they have game in game out is frankly astounding. The shortcomings have been characterised by the fall of captain Riccardo Montolivo, who inexplicably holds onto his first team role despite dire performances.

Not all criticism of Montolivo is warranted as a collectively the midfield should work cohesively as one. The aforementioned Kucka has the occasional exceptional performance, and Giacomo Bonaventura has been the main man for the last two seasons; but by and large that betrays the larger issue of entrusting the former Atalanta man with so much responsibility. Where once Clarence Seedorf or Andrea Pirlo would shoulder the creative task, Bonaventura represents a change in quality at the San Siro and while impressing in his own way he has achieved it virtually on his own.

ac milan giacomo bonaventura

This has been a subtle problem for the Rossoneri for the last few seasons, and, one that the club have been woefully inefficient at resolving. The answer to not scoring enough goals has been to invest heavily in strikers, rather than recruiting a creative midfielder of some distinction or simply putting greater emphasis on enhancing the creation of chances. This summer saw Milan bring in Jose Sosa, albeit reluctantly it seemed as the club appeared to have eyes on greater targets. The Argentine does fit the bill in terms of an experienced creative midfielder, but so far has been unable to make a mark.

The form of Carlos Bacca, while impressive, can certainly be misleading. The Colombian has scored over 20 goals in Serie A from just under 50 attempts, which is a worthy achievement, but it does support the notion Milan have not been making enough chances. Bacca has not been alone in his private frustration as others have been starved of service before him. Jeremy Menez, excellent though he was in his first season at the San Siro, bagged many of his goals from spot kicks, defensive lapses and chances created for himself. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mario Balotelli, Giampaolo Pazzini and Mattia Destro are others who endured periods of limited service.

carlos-bacca-lazio-milan

From the moment of kick-off, Milan seem to adopt a negative approach of winning cheap penalties and attempting to bludgeon defences into submission. It is vital that Montella dispels this mentality and give the fans comprehensive, attractive football; they need their support now more than ever.

 

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