A Season of Missed Opportunities
AC Milan’s performance this season has been a rollercoaster of disappointment and frustration. Last night’s loss against Bologna has all but extinguished any remaining hopes for a Champions League spot, a development that feels more like a final blow than a mere setback. This season has been marked by a series of missed opportunities and persistent issues that have plagued the team throughout. Despite numerous chances to get back on track, the Rossoneri have consistently fallen short, leading to a self-inflicted state of disappointment and regret.
Struggles on the Pitch
The problems start on the pitch, where Milan’s attacking tactics have been inconsistent and often ineffective. Gazzetta dello Sport highlights that while opportunities arise, they lack the consistency and structure needed to capitalize on them. Unlike Bologna’s well-organized approach, Milan’s attacks often seem random and disjointed. This inconsistency is a significant issue, as it hinders the team’s ability to mount a consistent and effective offensive strategy. The lack of a clear and coherent plan is evident, and it has contributed to the team’s inability to secure crucial wins.
Concentration Issues and Individual Errors
Compounding the team’s offensive woes are significant concentration issues that have been a recurring theme this season. Gazzetta describes the situation as “disastrous,” with individual players making costly errors, poor positioning, and a general lack of focus. These errors are not just isolated incidents but are a persistent problem that has plagued the team. The lack of concentration and poor decision-making have often cost Milan points, leaving the team vulnerable and unable to maintain a consistent level of performance.
Joao Felix’s Underwhelming Performance
One of the most notable issues this season has been the underwhelming performance of Joao Felix. Since his arrival from Chelsea, the Portuguese forward has failed to live up to expectations. Despite being a favored player of Coach Sergio Conceicao, Felix has been largely invisible on the pitch, particularly in crucial matches like the one against Bologna. The warnings about his potential struggles, which were raised before his transfer, are now becoming more apparent. Conceicao’s continued reliance on Felix, even when he is not performing well, has raised questions about the coach’s judgment and the team’s overall strategy.
Defensive Concerns and Questionable Choices
Defensive issues have also been a major concern this season. Coach Conceicao’s consistent choice of Malick Thiaw and Strahinja Pavlovic as central defenders has been called into question. Both players have made numerous mistakes, which are particularly egregious in a system that requires a high level of defensive stability. The report questions why Fikayo Tomori, a more experienced and reliable defender, has not been given a chance, let alone Matteo Gabbia. The lack of defensive consistency has left the team exposed and has contributed to their struggles.
Management Challenges and Structural Needs
Finally, the problems extend beyond the pitch to the management level. AC Milan is in dire need of a clear and well-defined structure, as the current setup is clearly not working. From the top to the bottom, the club lacks a coherent strategy, and large-scale changes are expected. The question remains whether the current management can be trusted to make the right decisions, given their track record this season. History is showing that they might not be capable of making the necessary changes, leaving fans and stakeholders with serious concerns about the club’s future.
A Path Forward?
Despite the numerous issues, there is still hope for redemption. Addressing the problems on the pitch, improving concentration, and making better choices in both player selection and management are crucial steps. The club needs a clear and defined structure, and the trust of the fans and stakeholders must be earned back through decisive and effective action. Only then can AC Milan hope to reclaim the high standards that have defined the club in the past.
