I am huge AC Milan supporter, have been for over 25 years and, given I have lived in Europe for the past six years, I’ve been fortunate enough to see almost all of their games in recent years.
So I can honestly say the current team is the worst I have seen.
I’m not referring the players in the squad – although they are indeed far below what Milan fans are used to – but to the type and style of football that they play.
There is no creativity in the team, no spark, the defence is an embarrassment by Milan standards and, looking from the outside, there is no sense of urgency or real desire play for each other.
A lot of people have been very critical of coach Max Allegri’s performance this season, and I generally try not to be too harsh of managers, but this season Allegri has made too many choices that are indefensible.
From his tactics, to the starting line-up, the lack of changes during a game when clearly struggling, to some strange substitution choices.
But Wednesday night’s game against Pescara was the last straw.
With Milan’s new youth and home-grown policy, and against the league’s already-relegated whipping boys, you would think this the perfect opportunity to give those young players knocking on the door a chance to see what they have to offer.
Milan fans were excited to see Bryan Cristante and Bartosz Salamon named in the travelling squad to Pescara, and were convinced once Milan put a couple of goals into the Pescara net the future of Milan would be given their first real chance in the black and red.
Two first half goals from a Mario Balotelli penalty and a Sulley Muntari volley gave a bit of hope for an early change in the second half and a decent amount of time for the younglings to have a crack.
Two more goals early in the second half to Mathieu Flamini and another to Balotelli, without Pescara even having a shot on goal, and you would think Allegri would surely throw on a youngster.
When the first change was made on the 59th minute mark, it was just disappointment when Flamini was subbed off for Bakaye Traore.
Traore has had only a few appearances, and hasn’t shown anything to suggest he will still be around come next season.
0 for 1 on the substitution decisions, Max.
Another change from Allegri on the 63rd minute, surely this time Cristante will called off the bench?
Nope, young Frenchman M’Baye Niang is dragged for Pazzini because Milan obviously needs to score more goals.
0 for 2, Max. Only one change left, must be for a youngster, right?
73rd minute, Allegri makes his last change replacing Robinho with… Stephan El Shaarawy.
The out-of-form 20 year old has struggled since Balotelli joined Milan, but literally carried the team for the first half of the season. Although he works extremely hard for the team, he has looked tired of late.
So why bring him on 15 minutes when four goals ahead?
0 for 3 on the substitution decisions, Max.
Allegri has done well to turn around the horror start to season and to bring youngsters El Shaarawy and Mattia De Sciglio into the squad, however he has made too many mistakes this season in the games that really mattered.
I’d be happy for him to remain on the bench if it was only to keep it warm for Cesare Prandelli to take over after the World Cup, but I do not believe there is a future with Allegri on the Milan bench.
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