In Italy, what difference does it make to have a top-level coach? Milan is the clearest example, and the answer is simple: a huge one.
Without meaning any disrespect to Fonseca and Conceição (who still won a trophy), compared to a year ago, the differences are like night and day. At this time last year, Milan had been eliminated from the Champions League in a rather clumsy way by Feyenoord and closed the January transfer window with a patchwork of players, Joao Felix above all, in a desperate attempt to reach the top four. Which, of course, did not happen, and looking back with hindsight, it was largely predictable.
Neither Fonseca nor Conceição managed to win the heart of the team or the fans, and the results on the field speak louder than any statement. This led to almost surreal situations. From the ugly cooling break incident with Leao and Theo, to the Fight Club-like scenes with Calabria and Conceição at the end of Milan-Parma, not to mention the "collaborator case" that caused a huge uproar. On top of this, there was strong criticism of the management and the club, as relayed via Milan News.
Allegri Restores Order and Cohesion:
Fast forward to today: Milan, under Massimiliano Allegri, is second in Serie A with an incredible 21 consecutive positive results (no other European team matches this), thirteen points ahead of last year, and the second-best defense in the league. The environment is united and cohesive, starting with Milanello. Allegri and Landucci have praised the group for their attitude and professionalism: Milan is a team, not just a collection of players. The locker room is united, and the fans are happy for the regained footballing dignity. The tricky issue of Maignan’s contract renewal, after last year’s controversial negotiations, has also been resolved, thanks in part to Max and his staff.
There has been a reorganization of managerial roles, a sporting director has been appointed with Tare, and everyone focuses on their duties. Allegri has restored seriousness, competence, and above all credibility. There are no more cooling breaks or harmful behaviors. If Leao or Pulisic sit on the bench, whether due to injuries or other reasons, no one complains. Everyone works at their best to challenge the coach’s decisions. The environment is finally healthy, and the results (though it’s still mid-season and nothing is guaranteed) show it.
Some Milan and football fans may be saving up for Forza Horizon 6 Credits (CR), but that is not the only thing they are looking forward to in the near future as they wait to see more improvements and concrete results from Allegri's team to reach the Champions League next season.
For Allegri's Milan, is there still room for improvement?
Of course, there is still a lot to improve, and Allegri is the first to know it. Some criticize the playing style as too defensive and lacking in quality: fair enough, these are opinions. Milan concedes far less, and when they do, they manage to withstand pressure. There have been some slip-ups against the so-called "smaller teams," but the spirit shown for most of the season has not been seen since the year of the Scudetto. There have been some injuries, both from international duty and other traumatic problems, and Leao, for various reasons, has never been at peak fitness. Pulisic is playing through pain, as are other players. Playing once a week, a better physical condition might have been expected. There are also some issues in squad building, clearly limited by the absence from European competitions. Some substitutes are not yet at San Siro’s level, but Allegri speaks with patience and confidence about a growth project for many inexperienced players.
We are far from perfection, which obviously does not exist in football. But for now, we are light-years ahead compared to last year, and that is a relief. Some will say it was hard to do worse. That was also thought after Pioli's last year, yet...
