Yahoo Sports GdS: Schedule, mercato and stars – reasons for Milan optimism amid top four ‘alarm’
AC Milan are a long way away from the Champions League places in the league, and yet there is still some room for optimism domestically.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Sunday’s wins for Fiorentina and Lazio (against Napoli) ruined Milan’s week beause fourth place is nine points away as is fifth place, which could qualify for the Champions League.
Milan fans, who until a couple of weeks ago were making bold calculations regarding a comeback in the Scudetto race, now cannot help but be concrete. The Rossoneri are seventh, and they have to accelerate to save the minimum objective.
Fonseca was clear in his post-Atalanta statements: “The Scudetto fight? We have to think that it is difficult, it’s a lot of points. Let’s think about the next game without looking at the standings, I’m very honest.”
It smells like a white flag and that is understandable given that Atalanta, Napoli and Inter are now so far away. Since the 2020-21 season, after this many games, Milan have been at worst in third place and in the title hunt each time.
The scenario naturally leads to thoughts about Fonseca and the mercato. The coach is not at risk now but the leadership have always preached about the importance of qualifying for the Champions League.
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As for the transfer window, there are reflections to be made. Milan have a particular need – a defensive midfielder – and the club must evaluate whether to deviate from the traditional winter caution to invest and aim to recover the proceeds from a top four spot.
How can Milan do it? By not dropping points against inferior teams, by putting together a series of victories and by getting key men like Theo Hernandez back in form. The coming fixtures are encouraging on paper: Genoa (at home), Verona (away) and Roma (at home).
The Supercoppa comes early in January, then games against Cagliari and Como follow. The requirement is to take maximum points or close to. Milan now must focus on themselves, close their eyes and only open them to look at the table after a run of victories.
