Tom Oldfield
The red and black half of Milan had little to cheer about last season. As Inter held on to lift another Scudetto title, AC Milan could only look back on a miserable campaign. Hopes had been high – after all, they were the defending European Champions. But the team flattered to deceive, making a woeful start in Serie A and suffering a second round exit at the hands of Arsenal in the Champions League.
Inconsistency was the biggest problem as the Rossoneri quickly found themselves well adrift of the Champions League places with some feeble early season displays, particularly in front of their own supporters. A late surge in the latter part of the season gave Milan hope of salvaging something from the campaign but Fiorentina held on for fourth spot, consigning Carlo Ancelotti’s men to a UEFA Cup place. You could hear the Inter fans laughing all over the city.
Speculation mounted, suggesting that major changes were imminent at Milan. Portuguese Jose Mourinho – who ended up taking charge at Inter – was rumoured to be replacing Ancelotti while young re-enforcements were expected to invigorate an aging squad. But these ideas never came to fruition. Milan were unable to compete with the financial power of the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid and their fans saw less transfer activity over the summer than they might have liked.
However, the arrival of Ronaldinho from Barcelona provided a boost, as did the signing of former Juventus defender Gianluca Zambrotta. Neither are the youthful new faces that had been expected but both certainly strengthen the Milan side.
And so, as the Serie A season begins, the question is: can the Rossoneri make amends for their below-par 2007/08 campaign with a return to winning ways?
What they are aiming to achieve:
At AC Milan in recent years it has been clear that the Champions League is the most sought after trophy. The players seem to raise their game for big European nights, regardless of their Serie A struggles. Although they will not have the opportunity to grace the biggest European stage this season, they will be determined to secure UEFA Cup glory.
Furthermore, challenging their title rivals in Serie A is a must. Milan have been off the pace domestically for several seasons now and need to find their consistency of old to secure a return to the Champions League for 2009/10. Seeing Inter dominate the table and Juventus and Roma make major progress has been bitterly disappointing for all Milan fans and a serious title challenge is vitally important. It is just not good enough to expect to turn up for big European nights and click into top gear when league form has been poor. Milan must use momentum from Serie A displays to aid their European challenge.
And winning a trophy would provide a fitting finale for club legend Paolo Maldini. Maldini was due to retire at the end of the 2007/08 season but has extended his contract and everyone at the club would love to give him the perfect send-off. The Italian is not alone, though, in approaching the latter stages of his career and several players have the added motivation of knowing that they do not have many more years at the highest level.
How likely are these aims?
Much will depend on Ronaldinho. Milan have turned to the Brazilian in the hope that he and fellow Samba stars Kaka and Pato can fire the Rossoneri back into trophy contention alongside the returning Andriy Shevchenko. But is Ronaldinho ready to shine again? Or is he a star in decline? Can he and Kaka, who remains a Milan player despite interest from Chelsea, co-exist in attacking roles? There are a lot of questions that need to be answered.
Ronaldinho may provide the extra creativity that Milan desperately need if they are to recapture the Scudetto and lift the UEFA Cup. Visiting sides tend to set up defensively at the San Siro, making it tough for the home team to unlock stubborn defences. The former Barcelona man could be the difference.
However, if Ronaldinho is not a huge success, it is hard to see Milan making huge improvements on last season. The teams around them have strengthened in the right areas and their own squad has not been drastically altered. Also, the defence and midfield still appear to lack a youthful presence.
That is not to say that these areas are weaknesses and, if Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso find their best form and stay injury-free, Milan will fancy their chances against anyone. Making a bright start will be crucial and, if Ronaldinho and co. can do this, a trophy is very attainable in the 2008/09 season.
Expectations of fans & boardroom:
High expectations come with the territory at Milan, just like at all the big clubs in Europe. The board have been patient with Ancelotti but will want that faith rewarded with a fruitful campaign. That means winning major prizes this season. Another trophyless year would surely lead to an overhaul of the playing and coaching staff.
The fans are desperate to forget last season and focus on the possibilities that lie ahead. Excitement has been generated by Ronaldinho’s arrival and hopes of lifting trophies are high.
As well as picking up some silverware, the Milan supporters have the additional target of silencing the jubilant Inter fans who have had the bragging rights in Serie A for the past few years. Managing this would make the success all the sweeter.
