Joao Felix’s Struggles at AC Milan
Joao Felix, the talented Portuguese forward on loan from Chelsea, has been facing a challenging period since his arrival at AC Milan. The January transfer window saw Felix join the Italian giants with high hopes, but his performance on the pitch has not met expectations. Reports suggest that Felix has even been "iced out" by his AC Milan teammates, adding to the mounting pressure on the 24-year-old.
Initial Promise and Swift Decline
Felix’s Milan debut was promising, with the forward scoring a delicate chip just 12 minutes into his first game. However, his form has sharply declined since then. In the five subsequent appearances, he has failed to score or assist, despite starting every game. The critical moment came during AC Milan’s 2-1 defeat to Bologna, where Felix’s performance was particularly lackluster. The Italian press, known for its unrelenting scrutiny, has been particularly harsh, branding him a "disaster" and describing him as "the worst on the pitch" after Milan’s loss to Torino.
Media and Teammate Criticism
Italian outlet Corriere della Sera was particularly critical, stating, "He is neither seen nor heard. He doesn’t make a single move, even his team-mates avoid him." This indicates a worrying trend where Felix is not only performing poorly but is also struggling to integrate with his new teammates. The situation has left Milan seventh in the Serie A table, eight points adrift of the top four, a significant setback for a club with European ambitions.
A Rapid Fall from Grace
Felix’s journey to AC Milan is a tale of rapid decline. Just five months ago, Chelsea paid £45 million to sign him from Atletico Madrid, with Felix signing a deal until 2031. His loan move to Milan came despite his recent permanent switch to the Blues, indicating the club’s willingness to give him a fresh start. However, the high expectations have not been met, and the criticism has reached a fever pitch, with Italian journalist Fabio Ravezzani taking to social media to slam Felix, calling him "as handsome as he is useless."
Managerial and Team Performance
Manager Sergio Conceicao, who has won eight of his 15 matches in charge across all competitions, has not been able to turn the tide for Felix. The team’s recent performance has also suffered, with Milan being knocked out of the Champions League by Feyenoord. Despite Conceicao’s efforts, the club’s European ambitions seem to be slipping away, adding to the pressure on both the manager and the players.
Future Prospects and Uncertainty
With AC Milan’s form faltering and Felix’s contribution minimal, the future looks uncertain for the Portuguese forward. If nothing changes, he is set to return to Chelsea in the summer. The club will need to reassess his role and consider whether he can find the form that made him one of the most sought-after young talents in European football. For now, Felix must navigate the storm of criticism and work to regain the confidence of his teammates and the club’s management.
