AC Milan are going through a difficult spell, and last Sunday’s defeat, in Reggio Emilia against Sassuolo, has only further worsened an already negative mood around Milanello, which has not been the best for some time now. In these final three matches, the Rossoneri have just one objective to achieve in order to avoid a complete failure in what has already been a disappointing season, where the club failed to be competitive during the decisive phase of the league: they must qualify for the Champions League, no excuses.
First and foremost, for sporting reasons, because a club like Milan cannot afford to miss out on the Champions League. Their history demands they compete on Europe’s biggest stage. Then there is the planning aspect, because Champions League qualification significantly affects what the Rossoneri can do in building a squad suited to Massimiliano Allegri’s needs.
This morning, Corriere dello Sport focused on exactly that, using Leon Goretzka as an example. There is no point hiding it, the Bayern Munich midfielder is one of Allegri’s main targets. However, a key condition for making a decisive move is qualification for the Champions League. Europe’s top competition is both attractive and influential, and to sign players capable of making a difference (and who are ready) participation must be guaranteed. Goretzka has several offers, and Milan is an appealing destination, but clearly everything changes depending on whether they play in the Champions League or the Europa League next season, with all due respect to the latter.
This is why Milan have so much at stake, a great deal, in fact. Not only to finish this season in the best possible way, but also to secure the ideal foundation for building a team capable of competing next year. A midfield featuring Goretzka, Rabiot, and, hopefully, Modric is certainly an exciting prospect. To make that happen, everything starts with the final three matches of this season, in order to begin the next one under the best possible conditions.
