Milan’s Challenge Against Feyenoord
AC Milan faces a crucial test in the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Feyenoord, after a disappointing 1-0 loss in the first leg at De Kuip. The pressure is mounting, especially after a narrow win against Verona, a team fighting for relegation. Despite the recent setbacks, Roberto Donadoni remains confident but also acknowledges the need for a significant improvement in performance. "Not at their best, if we look at the result of the match against Verona," Donadoni noted, emphasizing the necessity of a strong showing at San Siro to overcome the deficit and advance in the tournament.
Pre-Match Expectations
The match against Feyenoord is not just a tie but a critical juncture for Milan’s season. Donadoni expects a tough contest, noting the resilience and tactical approach of Dutch teams. "Dutch teams are not easy to face because they have a certain type of attitude and mentality away from home," he observed. Feyenoord, having gone through a change in management, is expected to be aggressive and seek to score, aiming to secure their place in the Champions League. Both teams have shown improvements following managerial changes, and Donadoni believes that a decisive performance is essential for Milan to progress.
Lessons from the First Leg
Reflecting on the first leg, Donadoni admitted that Milan’s performance was below expectations. "In Rotterdam, I expected Milan to do much better," he said, highlighting the need for a drastic change in approach. The Rossoneri struggled to break down a Feyenoord defense that had conceded over 20 goals in the ‘league phase.’ The "Fantastic Four" of Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, and Christian Pulisic failed to make a significant impact, raising questions about the team’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Donadoni stressed that the team must be more determined and convincing in their tactics to turn the tide.
Essential Elements for Success
For Milan to overcome the 1-0 deficit, Donadoni emphasized the importance of collective determination and a change in attitude. "What Conceiçao always asks for is determination and conviction," he stated. In a do-or-die match, the players must demonstrate hunger and a strong desire to impose their game. The team’s mentality and collective effort will be crucial, as relying on a single standout player is not a sustainable strategy. "If a team wants to have a style, it cannot ignore a certain type of attitude that must be collective," Donadoni added, underscoring the need for unified team effort.
The Impact of New Signings
Donadoni praised the recent additions to the Milan squad, particularly Santiago Gimenez and Joao Felix. Gimenez, who has already scored two goals in Serie A, is described as a technically gifted and goal-savvy forward. "He’s a centre-forward who gave me a good feeling," Donadoni noted, highlighting his importance as a traditional number nine. Joao Felix, with his quick and creative play, has shown promising signs but needs to be integrated into the team effectively. "We need to find the right context to insert him, but the first performances are encouraging," Donadoni said. Kyle Walker’s addition on the right side of defense has brought needed certainty and leadership, though his age is a consideration for rotation in the league.
Addressing the Lack of Consistency
Despite the new signings, Milan’s inconsistent performances have left Donadoni perplexed. "The current up-and-down path leaves one perplexed," he stated, pointing to the team’s lack of a clear playing style. This inconsistency is a result of the lack of team conscience and awareness. "There are teams like Como and Lazio that have a clear style, the Rossoneri don’t," he remarked. The recent managerial change under Conceiçao has been a double-edged sword, bringing fresh ideas but also the challenge of implementing a new system. "When you change coach it means that things aren’t going well, and the blame must be distributed across the board," Donadoni emphasized, including the club in the responsibility for the team’s current form.
Key Player Focus: Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao, one of the standout players for Milan, has come under scrutiny for his inconsistency. Donadoni and Leao have had numerous discussions about his role and responsibilities. "We’ve had this conversation about Leao so many times… He has to be the one to understand what he has to do without the ball and put it into practice," Donadoni stressed. Leao’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be pivotal in Milan’s quest to reverse the deficit and secure a place in the Champions League. His performance in the second leg will be a key indicator of whether Milan can rise to the occasion and deliver the necessary result.
