To be or not to be? [Newsletter]
Common expressions are often convenient to use when you want to describe something. In AC Milan’s case, and the situation they find themselves in now, we feel there is one that is particularly fitting: To be or not to be? Yes, because the 2023-24 season is up in the air, with big question marks on multiple fronts.
While there was a slight return - as Jimi Hendrix would have said - in the win against Frosinone at the weekend, one can’t help but wonder how the season will pan out. Of course, this is almost always impossible to answer at this time of the year. But doesn’t this question feel all the more relevant now?
Stefano Pioli has come under scrutiny multiple times already, the injuries keep on coming and some of the Rossoneri’s stars have failed to deliver. So the question then becomes: has the club management made an error in judgment somewhere in the process, or are we simply used to very high standards?
It is probably a mix of both, but that is not to say that big mistakes were made in the summer either. Some signings were lacking, most notably a No.9, but if this can be remedied in January then there should still be hope for the season after all. Let’s remind ourselves that Milan are *just* six points behind first place.
If you think about it, it feels almost surreal that the Rossoneri still have a pretty good shot at the Scudetto. If you had just read the news in the last one to two months - without looking at the actual results - you probably would have thought that Milan had collapsed completely, or maybe even been handed a point deduction Juve-style.
The mind works in mysterious ways and sometimes it might be hard to differentiate illusion from reality, especially in the volatile state of mind that is supporting AC Milan. It’s always important with scrutiny and accountability, don’t get us wrong here, though sometimes one has to prioritise the better long-term play. But we digress.
To be or not to be? That is indeed the question that Pioli and his men will have to answer in the coming weeks. It’s true that the January transfer window could change a lot of things, but the fact remains that Milan need to claim points now to keep up with their city rivals Inter. Otherwise, that question will be answered quickly.
News bulletin
➤ It has been a mixed last week for Milan Primavera as they suffered a second league loss in a row to Lazio, who jumped above them in the table, but then thumped Empoli 4-0 to reach the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. It is worth noting that with the likes of Nava, Simic, Bartesaghi, Jimenez, Chaka Traore and Camarda all with the senior side due to the injury crisis, Abate's ranks have been depleted.
➤ Gerry Cardinale’s recent trips to the Middle East have been the subject of speculation, but at last some information has emerged regarding why he is meeting with investors and what it has to do with the future of Milan.
➤ In case you missed them, we have had a couple of transfer exclusives in the past week. Firstly, we learned that Milan are scouting a Bologna star closely, while Fabrizio Romano told us what the current state of play is in the pursuit of an Arsenal defender.
➤ There has been some news on the renewal front, and it is not exactly positive. Rade Krunic seems to be heading towards a January sale having lost his spot in the side and with extension talks not progressing, while Mike Maignan wants a massive pay increase to stay with top European clubs circling.
➤ Milan have reached an agreement with Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda over a contract until 2028. The Rossoneri are now preparing a January offer of €2m, per Fabrizio Romano, which could be accepted by the Spanish side as Miranda’s contract will expire in the summer.
➤ Speaking of Maignan, he was one of three Milan players to be named in the best Serie A XI of 2022-23 at the Gran Galà del Calcio awards on Monday. Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao were the others, with the latter giving an interview to Sky reiterating his belief in the Scudetto.
➤ Our on-site features over the past week include a look into the strange handling of Yacine Adli, evaluating whether dropping into the Europa League would be good or bad, a look at Christian Pulisic's resurgence and some tactical changes for Pioli to consider.
In case you missed it
Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, and our latest bonus podcast in which the lads discuss four Milan stars who could leave. We have also published quite a few bonus articles lately, including the latest edition of Meeting the Milan Media with Andrea Longoni. Are you interested in a paid subscription? Read all about it here.