After five games without a win, Milan have dismissed their fourth different manager in the space of two and a half years with Sinisa Mihajlovic being the next cab off the rank.
A decision that is coming under intense scrutiny and one in which many Milan fans feel as being premature as a result of a lack of leadership and direction within the upper hierarchy. Mihajlovic, who was appointed in June 2015 was relieved of his duties after a turbulent past month in which saw his tenure at the Rossoneri come to an end.
His decisions in cutting the “dead-wood” that was plaguing Milan in their quest for success was a popular one amongst the fans. With also the signings of Carlos Bacca, Alessio Romagnoli and Luiz Adriano being one of extreme acceptance to the die-hards and supporters alike. Also, his decisions to opt to play youth through the extreme trust in Gianluigi Donnarumma in goals at only the age of sixteen paying major dividends.
This, accompanied by the deploying of M’Baye Niang as the partner to Bacca and faith in Davide Calabria in full-back. However, the overspending on Andrea Bertolacci who has failed to live up to his expectations, Mario Balotelli’s inconsistencies upon return and failures in signing “European quality” central midfielders. Accompanied by the issue of a lack of consistency in who will partner Romagnoli in the heart of defence.
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Primavera coach Christian Brocchi will take control of Milan for the remaining six games and the Coppa Italia final with the expectations of turning their season around. The question that is being pondered amongst many of the Rossoneri faithful as to who will be next to take the helm. In turn potentially leading Milan to prominence once again in the upper-reaches of the Serie A table.
Europa League – a necessity
Sixth place beckons for the Rossoneri. The need to return to European football has been haunting Milan for the past two seasons with the chance in the final weeks to seal this passage. However, as of late, due to Milan’s faltering form they find themselves one-point clear of Sassuolo and in serious peril. Six games remain and the next four are against bottom sides, with three being in the relegation sides.
A possible twelve points is on the line and the need to win these are indescribable with the dangerous Bologna and Champions League bound Roma awaiting. With a return to the Europa League, it will allow for added prestige and appeal for players to sign and in turn bolster their squad in its entirety.
Coppa Italia success
Upon the conclusion of the Serie A season, Milan will be enthralled in a chance for silverware in the form of the Coppa Italia. They will be facing a red-hot Juventus who nailed the coffin shut on Mihajlovic’s tenure at Milan with a 2-1 win this past weekend. The Old Lady who seem all but set to win another Serie A crown have a chance to prevent their old rivals from grabbing a piece of celebratory silver from a dim end to the season.
However, Milan will come into this game with added motivation and belief in coming away with a win at the Olimpico. Losing to Juventus by a goal on both occasions with Gianluigi Buffon being the key to shutting Milan out in front of goal. The fuel for Milan’s motivation must come from a solid end to the season. Knowing Europa League is secure and a chance to beat Juventus in a game which they are not expected to win would provide even more incentive to knock off the best side in Italian football.
An experienced manager
With the failings of Milan’s previous managers, it leaves the question of who is next to take over. The internal selections of Clarence Seedorf and Fillipo Inzaghi ended in a dramatic failure whilst Sinisa Mihajlovic who seemed to get the squad on side was cut aside. Now the board has the task to find a suitable replacement.
Personally, the need for an experienced manager is a necessity. A manager who has experienced success and is known for his ability to get results when needed. Fabio Capello strikes as one of extreme significance due to his ties with the club in the past as a former manager of the Rossoneri. Former Milan player, Roberto Donadoni is also an option due to his promising season with Bologna and his want to one-day coach Milan. One who has appeared as an option is Eusebio Di Francesco who has done a superb job as Sassuolo manager but comes as a risk due to his lack of experience in the top flight.
Extra off-cuttings
Yes, Mihajlovic cleared many players who were deemed unfit to play for Milan but the job is far from done.
This past season more weaknesses were exposed especially in defence, the heart of midfield and out wide. Players such as Phillippe Mexes, Cristian Zapata and Rodrigo Ely have failed to impress and look on the outer. Mexes and Zapata are both of contract and expect the both to be released upon season end. Whilst Ely will probably be shipped out on loan due to his youthful age. It can be argued that Alex is getting an older and should be shipped out. However, his form has warranted a potential one-year extension, but only as a back-up to Romagnoli and a new defensive partner.
Andrea Poli also must be sold along with a loan deal for young talent Jose Mauri. Kevin Prince Boateng returned to Milan with serious excitement, however after one goal his opportunities were limited. In these final six games, he has time to impress and with his raw talent he can be seen as a solid depth player for the coming season. This also includes the returning Alessandro Matri and Fernando Torres who will both reunite with Milan from their loan deals and must be sold immediately.
A solid base to build on
For whoever takes on Milan they have an extremely solid base to build on. Starting in goals, they have a young phenom of a goalkeeper in the form of Gianluigi Donnarumma who is backed up by solidity in the form of Diego Lopez and Cristian Abbiati.
The defence boasts names such as Alessio Romagnoli, Ignazio Abate, Luca Antonelli, Mattia De Sciglio and young gun Davide Calabria. Primarily, the strength being through the full-backs with the centre of defence needing serious re-upholstering.
The midfield has talent with Riccardo Montolivo, Andrea Bertolacci, Juraj Kucka, Jose Mauri and Manuel Locatelli exposing a centre of midfield with a plethora of depth but needing another talent or two to take it up to the next level. Giacomo Bonaventura and Keisuke Honda exemplify their attacking wingers’ abilities with the need for back-ups a major requirement.
The attack also with its own strengths with Carlos Bacca, M’Baye Niang, Luiz Adriano and Jeremy Menez amongst those up-top. With Mario Balotelli’s unknown future still hanging in the balance and hinging on his final few games. In turn, giving the man who is given the job to take these players to the next level a chance to buy and build this squad back up to its glory days in the form of newly signed talents.
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