Farewell or a New Dawn? Milan’s Champions League Dream Still Alive? Insider Insights from Milanello!
The latest round of fixtures has reignited the race for the coveted fourth spot, with AC Milan lingering in ninth place yet managing to close the gap to six points from the last Champions League qualifying position. The task ahead is daunting, especially with just nine matches left in the league, considering the Rossoneri's erratic form throughout the season. Nonetheless, opportunities remain, particularly with several crucial encounters against the likes of Napoli, Fiorentina, Atalanta, Bologna, and Roma—matches that could either bolster Milan’s hopes or sink them further into despair. What about the players' belief? News from Milanello suggests a reinvigorated squad after hard-fought victories against Lecce and Como, with the results of Juventus and Lazio rekindling a flicker of hope. There’s a palpable desire to push forward; however, they’ll need a string of wins, starting with their upcoming clashes against Napoli and Fiorentina right after the break. The time for talk is finished; it’s all about delivering on the pitch now. As for the fans, their faith varies considerably. Many remain sceptical, scarred by the numerous disappointments this year, and understandably reluctant to believe a six-point recovery is achievable. In the interim, Giorgio Furlani will begin pondering the next sporting director’s appointment, while there are key insights regarding certain players. Joao Felix looks unlikely to feature for Milan next season, as the necessary conditions for a deal with Chelsea seem non-existent. His initial promise, highlighted by a debut goal in the Coppa Italia, has since faded significantly. The January transfer deal lacked a buy clause, leaving Milan with limited options—either outright purchase or another loan from the Blues, which seems improbable. Conversely, with Santiago Gimenez, there’s a pressing need for support. It has been over a month since he last hit the back of the net in the league, and as a permanent acquisition, losing him would be a blow to the club's assets. The coach must find a way to harness his potential, integrating him into an offensive style of play to maximise his talents. Gimenez is projected to be a key striker for Milan in the coming years, and harnessing his capabilities for the final stretch of the season—especially in the upcoming Coppa Italia derby against Inter—will be crucial. Kudos to Reijnders and Pulisic, the true class acts in this Milan setup. The former has been secured, while the latter is set to sign an extension shortly. They represent the only bright spots in what has been a challenging season. - Resource: "https://www.milannews.it/editoriale/addio-sicuro-gia-deciso-cosi-non-puo-andare-avanti-rimonta-milan-in-champions-ancora-possibile-da-milanello-cosa-filtra-570566
