Another disastrous start left Milan behind the eight ball. They fought back, one of the good traits they’ve shown under Conceição, but the mere fact that they have to do it at all is a sign that something is amiss. The door is just about shut on salvaging anything in the league this season, with really only mathematical hopes to cling to, the focus is turning more and more to what happens next…and what can still be gleaned from what remains a disaster of a season.
I don’t have a lot of new things to say about what we saw since it mimicked what we’ve seen for much of the season. What was different for this one was the return of unforced errors, something we haven’t seen as much since that string of them in February that cost Milan the chance at a top 8 finish in Champions League, advancing in Champions League, and valuable league points. The culprit in this one was a familiar one: Yunus Musah.
It’s been no secret that I like the player but the last 2+ months have seen him commit error after error, some directly responsible for the missed opportunities just mentioned above. After this game, this is now 2 times he has been pulled off the pitch before halftime for tactical reasons during this same 2+ month stretch, with today seeing him give away possession near his own 18 yard box directly resulting in a goal 7 minutes in (he was pulled the previous time strictly for tactical reasons rather than a specific error, although he had errors in that game too).
While clearly a more narrowly-defined role for him at this point is warranted, again the tactical decisions by Conceição overall have been suspect. Rather than adjusting and more closely mimicking what worked vs Inter last game and even recently in the second half of games vs Lecce, Como, and even Napoli, Conceição tried to implement god-knows-what approach. Rohit from Twitter, who I really enjoy even if I don’t always agree, had a really good breakdown of this and is worth checking out.
This overly complicating of what Milan needs to do is frustrating. When I look at the table and think what just 6 more points could mean right now, yes I get pissed at all the missed opportunities of the last 2+ months but I also think back to all the dicking around Fonseca was doing. His 2 points out of 9 to start the season doesn’t stray far from my mind. The points dropped recently are easier to recall but are no more or less important than the ones dropped earlier this season, including the ones I just mentioned. All of this notwithstanding, Conceição has been making this harder than it needs to be and HOPEFULLY his needing to pull Musah again before halftime will allow him to see that more straightforward approach I’ve spoken about ad nauseum to take root.
One last thing I wanted to talk about was what do we make of what’s left of the season? Milan still has a chance to finish 4th, as remote as that may be. They also still have a chance to win their second trophy of the season, even one I don’t particularly care about but I’ve heard plenty of people claim trophies are what matter, and if that is true then by that definition Milan can still salvage the season.
The bigger question around winning the Coppa Italia for me is does that make the case stronger, publicly, to keep Conceição? Like, does that give Milan more cover to keep him? I’m under no illusions that Milan will start breaking the bank for coaches, and with that constraint I understand what the likely options are for his replacement, at least in terms of established quality. Conceição is much more preferrable to me than Allegri, as I don’t want a re-tread, or Conte, who leaves the teams he managed in disarray. Yes, I would even throw Inter into this group even though they continued to win on the pitch after Conte left…they’ve already lost €400M and stand to lose another €400M in 2026 in a payment to shareholders due to teams constructed largely FOR Conte. Let’s see if UEFA bears down on them as well as surely defaulting once much less twice is grounds for significant sanctions. No thanks.
Then of course there’s the concern about this management in charge of rebuilding or at least reinforcing the squad in smart and constructive ways. The news of them toying around with a known fraud like former Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici gives me pause to say the lease.
No, there’s some dark clouds forming on the horizon and time is running out for a break to form…
What Happened in Serie A
What a week in Serie A. Of the 10 games of the round, there were winners in only 3 of the games. That’s right. Seven draws. And as predicted, the chase for the top 4 has tightened even with all the draws but Milan couldn’t take advantage.
Inter (1st) drew to Parma (16th) 2-2. A big unexpected point for Parma but a definitely let down for Inter as they cling to their hopes for back-to-back Scudettos. The universe did them a solid though, as Napoli (2nd) also drew, drawing 1-1 at Bologna (4th) today. Seems like fate might be on Inter’s side at least on the pitch. The UEFA gods might not be.
Atalanta (3rd) continue their free fall, losing 1-0 to Lazio (5th). Lazio was the only team in the top half of the table to win in this round, and the win means they not only draw to within 2 points of 4th, they’re now within 3 points to 3rd. With Europa League obligations still on the docket, does Lazio put that on the back burner to take advantage of this opportunity for a top 4, possibly top 3 finish? I mentioned in my stretch run rundown post that I didn’t think they were a top 4 team. They sure are sitting in a strong position to prove me wrong!
The remaining top 4 chasers, Juventus (5th) and Roma (7th), played each other to a 1-1 draw and of course Fiorentina (8th) drew to Milan (9th) 2-2.
Torino are back in their usual spot (10th), after drawing 1-1 with Hellas Verona (14th) and Udinese (11th) losing 1-0 to Genoa (12th). For Udinese, this marks their third straight defeat, now winless in 4 straight, and a missed opportunity to insert themselves in the clusterf**k fight for Europe.
Como (13th) got a big win over Monza (20th), 3-1. Big not because of the opponent, but big because the win brings them to 33 points on the season, I would think securing another season in the top flight especially with 7 games remaining. With how much money is in their coffers, Como could be a surprise European-spot competitor next season.
Finally, Cagliari (15th) drew 0-0 to Empoli (18th) and Lecce (17th) drew 1-1 to Venezia (19th). All 4 teams did nothing to separate themselves vs direct relegation competitors and remain in limbo regarding safety. Although to be fair to Cagliari, they are sitting on 30 points which is right around the last relegation spot. One more win could ensure their safety.
That wraps up the league recap. Now, ratings
Player Ratings
Goal Keeping
MAIGNAN 8 – Another stellar performance. Both Fiorentina goals weren’t on him and he very likely saved 2 others. A nice reemergence of vintage Mike these last couple of games. Hope it continutes.
Goal Keeping Overall 8
Defense
WALKER 6 – Mediocre. A couple of games in a row like this now. Not saying he’s finished, but I hope if he is it shows itself before Milan signs him this summer.
TOMORI 7 – I thought he was the best defender on the day. I don’t blame him on either of the goals even though I thought he could’ve done better to help prevent the first goal even from a disadvantaged position.
THIAW 5 – Third own goal of the season. I read he’s the first defender to do that since like 1997-98. Yikes. Bad company.
HERNÁNDEZ 6 – Did enough offensively to salvage a not terrible rating, but Dodo took his lunch money for much of the game when Dodo got forward, including on that second goal.
Defense Overall 6
Midfield
MUSAH 5 – His digression has been marked the last few months. Don’t know why it’s been happening. He’s a solid player, even if not the most technically gifted, but the execution and mental errors of late have made him a detriment more times than not. Probably needs to be a late game defensive sub to finish out the season.
FOFANA 6.5 – Was fine.
Midfield Overall 6
Forwards
PULISIC 7 – Beautiful reading of the moment with Tammy for the first goal. Should’ve mashed home the cross he got late that he tried to head back to someone and the moment fizzled out. Still, solid game.
REIJNDERS 6.5 – Role seemed ill-defined until Musah was subbed off. Did better once he was moved back (surprise, surprise).
LEÃO 6.5 – Had some good passes and did his part to draw attention. Solid game.
ABRAHAM 8 – My man! Love seeing him get some playing time and producing! As mentioned above with Pulisic, beautiful give and go and another excellent finish, something he doesn’t always do.
Forwards Overall 7
Subs
JOVIC 8 – Back-to-back games with goals, Jovic has taken his opportunity well and has earned more playing time. Plays well with another striker, something that isn’t a surprise to many of the Fossa faithful, as you’ve asked for that plenty of times.
GIMÉNEZ 6 – Did ok filling in for a banged up Tammy, but then got injured on a play that almost saw him through if not for De Gea coming out of his box and clearing.
FELIX 6 – Did ok.
BONDO 6.5 – Solid.
CHUKWUEZE 6 – Did less than last game but still positive.
Subs Overall 6.5
Coaching
CONCEIÇÃO 5 – The team is healthy. Why he isn’t picking the best possible lineup with a week between matches is extremely frustrating. I get the desire to want to provide balance and finally start defending and getting some clean sheets for a change, but at this point you got to just roll with what works the best right now and the best is to win shootouts.
Now, you’re probably saying, but that’s all we’re getting are shootouts because Milan always has to come back. And you’re right, but I want a shootout where Milan is up 3-0 and then they concede, not down a goal or two and then clawing back. I’d even argue they’d get more clean sheets going all out because you can get your big lead and then sit and defend in numbers. And clearly defending in numbers is probably the only chance this Milan will have to defend with any certainty. Clearly the individual quality or even the quality of the backline as a group isn’t there.
As mentioned at the beginning, I’m under no illusions Milan is going to lure some big name/i.e., big salary coach for next season. They’re almost certainly not. One coach I like but I would argue is a tier down from elite, is Sarri. But with Sarri you’re likely looking at a lost season although not having Europe could accelerate the Sarri-ball learning curve and they could finish in the top 4. It would, however, I think remove them from a Scudetto chase because there just isn’t that much room for error. I’m good with this type of sacrifice but not sure the masses are. So, right now…still…my preference is to keep Conceição for next season unless Milan can someone convince someone established to come or they just completely sh*t the bed for the remainder of the season. Which is a definite possibility…
Final Thoughts
Ok. Milan travel to Udinese on Friday. Oye. Not a place Milan has played well of late.
Forza Milan.
gillis
