AC Milan, as pointed out by Gazzetta dello Sport, has let in 48 goals this season. The once formidable defensive stronghold is now in shambles, with several unfortunate factors contributing to the decline.
The match against Slavia Praha underscored Milan’s defensive challenges, despite the impressive quality of the two goals scored. The recurring issue of lapses in concentration allowed the opponents considerable space, even with a numerical disadvantage.
This season, Milan has conceded a total of 48 goals across various competitions: 32 in Serie A, 8 in the Champions League, 5 in the Europa League, and 3 in the Coppa Italia. Gazzetta dello Sport highlights a concerning trend (refer to the image below), signaling the need for a significant change.
Absence of Magic Mike and a deficit in leadership.
Mike Maignan’s performance this season has fallen short of the high standards he set in previous years. There’s been a noticeable decrease in vocal presence, fewer daring passes during the build-up, and a general decline in leadership.
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s recent contributions add some leadership, Milan still requires a stronger performance from the French goalkeeper. Despite having the potential to be among the world’s best, Maignan’s decline has been apparent to everyone this season.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Maignan has also faced more exposure due to his teammates, a significant factor. However, in previous seasons, he would excel in such situations, instilling confidence in the defense.
Injuries aren’t the exclusive cause.
Despite Milan grappling with numerous defensive injuries, it’s crucial to recognize that this is not the exclusive factor contributing to their issues. Even during the periods when Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori were regulars before their injuries, the defensive structure faltered.
This holds particularly true for Pierre Kalulu, who faced challenges securing a spot in the starting lineup both at the beginning of the season and presently. While Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia have made commendable efforts to stabilize the situation, their qualities alone may not be sufficient for a significant improvement.
Coach Pioli himself has acknowledged the prevalent issue of concentration lapses throughout the season. The concession of Slavia’s first goal immediately following Olivier Giroud’s opener, due to a lapse in marking during a set piece, is a recurring pattern.
The defensive framework appears compromised, lacking essential elements such as leadership, quality, and confidence. The looming question remains whether these shortcomings can be rectified within the current season.AC