About 3 or 4 years ago, you can remember Milan being horrible at defending set pieces. Three years ago, Milan would create amazing opportunities within the first half only to concede on a counter and lose the game to a mid-table team. Well that same Milan showed up on Sunday against Torino.
People will think I am crazy but Alessio Romagnoli did something consistently that most do not give the credit. Romagnoli was a defensive captain on top of occassionally being the actual captain. When you revisit those games and focus on Romangoli, you will see a coach with cleets(boots whatever) on. Since his departure, Rossoneri has been seeing this defensive flaw to defend set pieces, creep back into their lives. With Magic Mike injured as well, makes this that much more critical to resolve.
There is a solution and I believe we have the players like Simon Kjær and Magic Mike (once he returns. Simon Kjær played a massive role in the Euros and showed his ability to be a leader and take command. Pioli needs to utilize him in this manner and make sure it is clear to Simon on his role. Set piece plays need coordination and player marking. On top of this, the defensive captain needs to motivate his defenders on every occurence including every set piece. Although Simon isn’t as big as Romagnoli, we have Magic Mike to handle the rest.
Matteo Gabbia did have a horrific match but so did many others. For this, I change my focus to Pioli.
I thought it was the wrong move to take out Leao and Tonali. Leao missed those opportunities and was a bit lax on defense but he is still the best in the league. I’ve seen Ibra with far worst games and end up scoring the game winner. As for Sandro, he was the best on the pitch so why take him out. Pobega looked great the first 20 mins but then lost focus, therefore would be a way better player to sub out.
The overall performance was horrible and you must blame Pioli for this.
This goes for everyone except CDK and Dest. For them I give the responsibility to the supporters to motivate them to have good performances.
CDK and Dest have been hounded by the red and black faithful to do more. Each game is there chance to show they belong. As for the game against Torino, CDK showed the nerves getting to him with intercepted passes and losing the ball with no fight, foul somebody for crying out loud! Pioli please put Adli in for these tough physical games… please.
Dest on the other hand, did a lot better. Aside from stupidly kicking the ball away in frustration when time was against us, he showed great intensity and actually changed the game a bit.
With all this, it is no surprise Milan lost this game. As Champions League is on Wednesday, we need to forget about Torino and focus on RB Salzburg.
The Milan Club So.Cal group were at a new location Macallans Public House in Brea.
