In a city like Milan, which is undergoing constant construction and development, it is easy to come across a building site for a new apartment block or a new residential complex. Some are just getting started while others are well advanced; some are behind schedule, while others are ready but still have a few minor details to be sorted out, perhaps ones that are not even visible from the outside. Today, the day after the defeat to Benfica at San Siro in the opening round of the Europa League and following five competitive matches, it can safely be said that Milan are still a work in progress.
The fact that Milan are still a work in progress after five matches does not necessarily mean that something is wrong, if we consider the situation on paper. This is a team that has completely overhauled its sporting project: the owner has started making his presence felt, completely changing the management structure and appointing a coach whose footballing ideas are at the opposite end of the spectrum from those of his predecessor. Changes were also made in the transfer market, with several new signings and players returning from loan. In short, Milan are embarking on a new cycle with a coach like Ruben Amorim, who comes from a very different footballing environment to the one found in Italy. On paper, this situation perfectly fits the description of a 'work in progress', and it would be unrealistic to expect sweeping changes after just a handful of competitive matches.
So where is the problem?
The real issue is that a team like Milan cannot exist only 'on paper'. Partly because of its history and ambitions as a major club, and partly because the team is coming off four years of decline under Cardinale's ownership, the expectations of the demanding Rossoneri environment as a whole are high, and they generate immediate impatience when they are not met. This dimension cannot be assessed solely on paper. Therefore, with all the mitigating circumstances taken into account, Ruben Amorim now needs to show some tangible progress in implementing his ideas, starting with the foundations of his house, namely some certainties that have nevertheless emerged over these five matchdays. For example, he could establish a fixed core for his team, with a list of 'undroppable' players regardless of the competition. Maignan, Gila, Rabiot, Pulisic and Ramos: these five players should always be on the pitch. Alternatively, he could give greater value to the young players who have shown important signs, such as Cisse and Moreira. Even this could provide greater continuity and help the team gel, with the hope that all of this can accelerate the development of Milan's football in both phases of the game. This was relayed via Milan News.
