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Expecting Instant Success Unrealistic After Crazy Transfer Window
10.11 || webmaster
Anyone looking for excitement in the transfer window focused largely on AC Milan and their dealings this summer – it was certainly an interesting few months for the Italian giants. After completely overhauling their squad with over £200 million of investment, many argued that Vincenzo Montella’s side would challenge for the Serie A title this season. Those predictions were a little short-sighted; it is going to take more than three months for this Milan team to gel.
On paper, Milan have one of the strongest squads in Italian football but you don’t win titles on paper. It was quite extraordinary to see Milan, a club that had previously been labelled as ‘finished’, act so boldly in the transfer market and the board deserve plenty of credit for backing Montella. But, now, they must stick by him. Bringing so many players into the San Siro has disrupted the balance and it would be foolish to jump the gun on Montella just yet.
However, he wouldn’t be the first big-spending manager to lose his job this season. Over in the Premier League, Everton opted to part ways with Ronald Koeman after their poor start to the new campaign. The Toffees were regarded as one of Milan’s main rivals for Europa League glory this season but Everton have been eliminated in the group stages – their loss is Milan’s gain here though and Montella should focus on winning another major European trophy in 2017/18.
With Milan currently languishing down in seven spot in Serie A, Montella should focus all of his efforts on guiding his side to a famous Europa League triumph this year. Yes, a handful of clubs are yet to drop out of the Champions League but Milan should have enough quality to defeat most of those clubs. As of November 9th, Milan are 12/1 in football betting markets to win the Europa League and punters will fancy the Italian giants to go all the way to the showpiece in Lyon.
In a way, Milan should follow Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United blueprint. The Red Devils struggled to inspire confidence domestically but won two major trophies last season; victory in the Europa League final against Ajax ensured Champions League qualification. Milan should follow suit and focus primarily on Europe’s secondary club competition. The Europa League isn’t where Milan want to be but silverware is silverware and the tournament is more respected now than it was a few years ago.
Montella has a number of talented options in key areas of the pitch and you’d fancy Milan to put a run of form together at some point in the near future. Whether it takes three weeks or three months, Milan’s hierarchy must stick by their manager to avoid another setback. The San Siro giants could eventually regain their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs and winning another Champions League is the ultimate goal. Can Vincenzo Montella take Milan back to the top? Only time will tell.
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