There is no other word to describe the current state of Milan except the word "crisis". The Rossoneri seemed to have recovered with a double win in the league against Fiorentina and Frosinone: the performances were not excellent but it was thought that six points could help. However, in Bergamo against Atalanta, Stefano Pioli's team went out once again and repeated the same mistakes. Now, in mid-December, and one step away from closing the Champions League group and the first part of the league, the initial reflections can begin. One certainty at Milan is that everyone is responsible.
This last aspect is emphasized this morning by Il Corriere dello Sport: all the main components of the Milan club participate, in different measures but with equal responsibility, in a seasonal performance that for now is tremendously below expectations.
Starting from the top, from the club, the criticism starts precisely from the market and is inevitable. Many of the players who have arrived, in truth, are absolutely competitive: what is highlighted, however, are the missed purchases. How much weight did it have not to have a Giroud deputy? And not to have a midfield player to replace the injured Ismael Bennacer? All gaps that could have been filled better in the summer. On the fluctuating performance of the new players, the blame lies more with Pioli and his staff: a wave of injuries has hit the team, taking out several players at a time. This is added to a tactical confusion unprecedented for the Milan coach.
Then, there is a problem of players. The issue is rather a mental and character issue. A careless team that stays with its head in the locker room at the start of the second half as it happened always in Bergamo but also in Lecce and Naples. In this, the more experienced players should take the lead but they also seem overwhelmed by the overall situation.
In the end, if victory does not come against Newcastle, the one at risk will be Stefano Pioli who could even pay dearly with an exit. But these are conversations to be had, if necessary, only after the game against Newcastle.
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