Van Bommel’s Perspective on Milan’s First Leg Performance
Mark Van Bommel, the former AC Milan midfielder who played a pivotal role in the club’s 2010-11 league title and Supercoppa Italiana victories, has provided a candid analysis of the Milan-Feyenoord tie. Van Bommel, a player who lived close to San Siro during his Milan years and now resides near Maastricht, is well-versed in the nuances of Italian and Dutch football. He followed the first leg at De Kuip, where Feyenoord secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Igor Paixao just three minutes into the game. Van Bommel expressed his disappointment with Milan’s performance, stating that the team lacked intensity and aggression. "It’s a shame because we’re talking about a very competitive group, of the highest quality, but they struggle to express themselves as a team," he noted. Van Bommel emphasized the need for Milan to raise their game to at least an 8 out of 10 to stand a chance in the second leg.
The Importance of the San Siro Atmosphere
When asked about the upcoming second leg at San Siro, Van Bommel highlighted the unique atmosphere at the stadium, which he believes can be a significant advantage for Milan. "The atmosphere at the Meazza is incredible, it can make the difference. The Curva sings throughout the match. Playing the second match at home is always an advantage, in this case, even more so," he said. Van Bommel urged the team to capitalize on this home-field advantage, emphasizing that advancing in the Champions League is a necessity for a club of Milan’s caliber. He also stressed that the entire team must contribute, with even the attackers needing to apply pressure to support their teammates. "Everyone’s help is essential," he added.
Leao’s Potential and the Need for Consistency
Rafa Leao, one of Milan’s star players, has been the subject of much discussion regarding his level of play and potential. Van Bommel, who has played alongside many champions, praised Leao’s qualities but also pointed out areas for improvement. "He’s an extraordinary player. He’s fast, he’s physically strong, but he has to find consistency," Van Bommel stated. He likened Leao to his former Bayern Munich teammates Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who were initially less involved in the defensive phase but became unbeatable once they started to contribute more defensively. "They combined competitive nastiness with their quality," he explained, suggesting that Leao needs to support the defensive phase more to reach the next level.
Reijnders: A Rising Star at Milan
Van Bommel also spoke highly of Stijn Reijnders, the Dutch midfielder who has quickly become a key player for Milan. "He is a very intelligent player. He defends, he attacks, he gets involved, he scores. He is a ‘team player,’ an all-round man," Van Bommel said. He noted that Reijnders’ transition from AZ Alkmaar to Milan was smoother than expected, praising the player’s adaptability and the perfect fit of Serie A for his style. "Moving from AZ to Milan is a big leap, but he immediately settled into the new reality," Van Bommel added, highlighting Reijnders’ potential to become a leader in the future.
Ibrahimovic’s Managerial Aspirations
Van Bommel, who shared a locker room with Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their time at Milan, was asked about the Swedish striker’s potential as a manager. "Together we won the Scudetto, and he has a very strong character that pushes him to always seek success," Van Bommel said. He acknowledged Ibrahimovic’s strong leadership and his efforts to build a team that reflects his football philosophy. "Milan, given its history, cannot remain outside the top four of the Italian championship and the Champions League, even if today in Serie A there are six or seven competing for the top places," he added, emphasizing Ibrahimovic’s influence on the club.
Conceiçao: The Right Coach for Milan?
Finally, Van Bommel was asked about Paulo Fonseca, the current Milan coach. "Today I do the same job as him, so it’s unfair to talk about the work of a colleague," he said, maintaining a respectful tone. However, he acknowledged that Conceiçao has started well, winning the Supercoppa and making necessary adjustments to the team. "It’s never easy to come in during the season, but he’s a fanatic of work, and what he did at Porto shows it," Van Bommel noted. He stressed that while the team may not yet fully embody Conceiçao’s character, it takes time and consistent training to achieve that. Van Bommel also expressed a personal desire to coach in Serie A, describing it as a great challenge and highlighting his deep connection with Milan.
