Legendary former AC Milan coach, Arrigo Sacchi, discussed the Rossoneri moment in his usual piece for La Gazzetta dello Sport:
"What is happening to Milan? Where is the team that surprised everyone until recently? It wasn't the strongest, but the one who played the best. Pioli's design had raised the qualities of individuals. The youngsters seemed to have always played together, everyone fit in with ease. They were a real team in spirit, in idea and in play. Contested players seemed reborn, half-known young players were entered as expert elements. Last year's second place and the overwhelming start of this year had thrilled the Rossoneri fans and beyond. If a player got injured it wasn't a problem, if the great Ibrahimovic stopped, the AC Milan fans would still win."
On the injuries and fatigue:
"Lately the Rossoneri have had many injuries, like last year, but it wasn't a problem. The success of Milan was the result of the ideas of the coach and an organized team that allowed him to have eleven players always in an active position with and without the ball. Unfortunately, this is not always the case today, the Rossoneri are struggling to present themselves as a real team. Teaming up is not an ethical imperative but it is worthwhile, no single individual will ever reach the power of a group. In the last few matches the Rossoneri have sent long balls a lot, looking for the head of Ibrahimovic as a solution. The offensive wingers made a mess", said Sacchi, "The pressure was insufficient, the fluidity of maneuver was also lacking. In football, the team should be an army that moves back and forth collectively, with everyone staying within 25/30 meters... When you lose, it is time to trust, to increase self-esteem and to pave the way to start again. It will be crucial not to fall into the trap of success, into presumption. To return to being a true team, compact and not scattered around the pitch, everyone's will and intelligence will be important", declared Sacchi.
