As AC Milan prepares for their Serie A season opener against Cremonese, head coach Massimiliano Allegri steps back onto the hallowed San Siro pitch, not just for a game, but to re-engineer a club`s trajectory. His message is clear: stability is paramount.
The Return of the Pragmatist
Tomorrow evening marks a significant moment for Massimiliano Allegri. Following a somewhat peculiar re-debut in the Coppa Italia from a skybox, the seasoned tactician will finally reclaim his rightful place on the touchline at San Siro. This isn`t just a return; it`s a re-engagement with a stadium where he once delivered a Scudetto and a Supercoppa. After a year-long hiatus from the demanding glare of Serie A, Allegri`s presence brings both a familiar pragmatism and a renewed sense of purpose to the Rossoneri camp.
The stakes are considerably higher now. With Milan unburdened – or perhaps, ungraced – by European competition this season, the domestic league becomes the singular, undeniable focus. The initial Coppa Italia performance was, by his own admission, “just okay.” Now, with a relatively favorable opening league schedule against Cremonese and Lecce, “just okay” needs to rapidly ascend to “decisively good.” There’s no continental stage to distract from any domestic stumbles; the spotlight is unblinkingly fixed on Serie A performance.
The Doctrine of Equilibrium: Milan`s Core Philosophy
Allegri’s central mantra for the upcoming campaign is “equilibrium.” It`s a term that, in the nuanced world of football tactics, encapsulates consistency, mental fortitude, and tactical balance. He envisions a team that operates with a steady “cruising speed,” devoid of the erratic “up and down” fluctuations that often plague sides aiming for top honors. This is a technical blueprint for sustained performance, emphasizing the collective over individual brilliance when it comes to the daily grind.
“In the league, we will need to maintain a cruising speed, always traveling at the same velocity, without up and down. That`s why equilibrium must reign within us. The goal is to play in the Champions League next year. It requires work, responsibility, and attention to detail.”
This pursuit of balance isn`t merely philosophical; it`s deeply practical. It implies a robust defense, a controlled midfield, and efficient, rather than flamboyant, attacking transitions. For a club like Milan, with its rich history and demanding fanbase, this disciplined approach aims to lay a solid foundation for their primary objective: securing a return to the prestigious Champions League next season.
Strategic Moves and Player Puzzles in the Market
Allegri expressed considerable satisfaction with the club’s transfer market dealings, highlighting effective work both in player departures and new acquisitions. The squad, he asserts, is technically sound and, more importantly, possesses a strong “moral” fabric – a desire to coalesce into a formidable team. While the full picture of the summer market is still forming, key figures have emerged:
- Luka Modric: The evergreen maestro, who at 40, certainly doesn`t arrive with the lung-bursting runs of a fresh academy graduate, but brings a different, arguably more potent, kind of power – unparalleled vision and composure. Allegri, with a knowing wink, notes Modric`s unique external foot passes and the necessity to manage his workload. His influence, both on and off the pitch, is expected to be profound.
- Santiago Gimenez: The young forward has evidently impressed the coach, who is “very happy” with his conduct and anticipates he can maintain his physical prowess for the full ninety minutes.
- Loftus-Cheek & Fofana: A particularly interesting challenge Allegri laid down for these midfielders is for them to collectively contribute around 15 goals by season`s end, underscoring a desire for goal-scoring contributions from deeper positions.
Regarding defensive options, Allegri dismissed concerns about having only four central defenders. He pointed out the versatility of players like De Winter and Tomori, who can also operate on the right, alongside Jimenez and Athekame. This suggests a flexible defensive scheme, less about rigid formations (three or four at the back) and more about leveraging player characteristics.
Beyond the Coach: The Club`s Enduring Legacy
In a refreshing display of humility, Allegri was quick to temper any notion of him being a solitary messiah. He underscored the profound importance of the club itself, its storied history, and the collective responsibility that permeates every level of the organization.
“It`s not that because Allegri is here, Milan wins. In big clubs, coaches and players don`t count as much as the club. The history of the club counts, and it must be respected. And when you are in a big club, you must feel the responsibility, you have to work not to make mistakes. Milan is above everyone.”
This statement, delivered with a smile but a serious undertone, articulates a philosophy that places the institution above transient figures. It’s a call to arms for all involved, from the boardroom to the training pitch, to honor the Rossoneri legacy through diligent effort and a shared commitment to excellence. Even Zlatan Ibrahimović, now in a different role, is recognized as an intelligent figure trying to understand his new position, serving as a valuable reference point for the players.
The Road Ahead: A Season of Re-establishment
As Milan embarks on this new chapter, Allegri`s vision is pragmatic and goal-oriented. The aim is to reach an “optimal position in the standings by March,” a critical juncture where the season`s fate is often decided. While a fleeting mention of the Scudetto places Milan “among the teams that will fight for the top four,” the immediate and pressing target remains that Champions League spot. The journey begins tomorrow, a testament to Allegri`s enduring belief in hard work, tactical acumen, and the unwavering pursuit of equilibrium.
Gilbert Pendleton