Leonardo, few guarantees, many questions.

How does one direct an orchestra having lost Maldini, Kaka and Ancelotti all in the space of a few weeks? This is a question that Leonardo will need to find an answer to quickly. Nevertheless he will need to the club to help him fill the gaps left by the aforementioned individuals or there is a risk that the gaps will become chasms. The Rossoneri fans are starting to get frustrated with the club’s lack of spending, their passion for the club is at the lowest point it’s ever been, the fans are so tired that it seems they don’t even have the strength to make it to the ticket desk to renew their season tickets. So what does the future hold for Leonardo’s Milan?

 

1. What kind of team can we expect?

From a tactical point of view we should see the side play with a 4-3-3. This formation requires an enormous amount of sacrifice from all the players, lots of movement on the pitch and massive concentration and dedication during training. A 4-3-3 means the team will be compact, with a midfield that is capable of both containing the opposition and creating for the front three. Finally the attacking trio need to be clinical finishers and ready to track back to aid the team in defence. Implementing it should be a fascinating challenge for Leonardo.

 

2. Will Leonardo be able to keep the group together the way Ancelotti did?

The new manager is certainly not lacking in experience having spent many years as a player and director of football at A.C. Milan. The difficulty will be adapting the experience he gained in the office to the bench. It may be tough but with the help of Tassotti and the other experienced assistant coached he can succeed, he has both charisma and is respected by the entire staff and team at Milan.

 

3. What certainties are there?

In defence there is Thiago Silva who has been praised by all as being an excellent centre back despite not having played a match. In midfield further responsibility will have to placed on the shoulders of Flamini, one who runs more than most and could therefore be crucial having seemingly found his feet in the second half of last season. While in attack the club is expecting an explosive season from Pato, and my belief is that Inzaghi will as usual prove decisive.

 

4. What kind of doubts are present?

Nesta, after an entire season on the sidelines has been proclaimed 100% fit. However, it’s hard to say how a lengthy series of matches will affect his fitness and physique. Has Kaladze fully recovered from his knee operation? In addition, the Rino Gattuso I witnessed at the Confederations Cup was a distant relative of the pre-operation warrior that we all know. A further question mark is Boriello who suffered an injury-plagued season last year. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, how will the team react to the loss of Kaka?

 

5. Which areas need to be re-enforced?

Certainly a strong centre-forward who is good at headering the ball is needed. Meanwhile at the back the team could certainly benefit from the addition of a strong wing-back and perhaps another centre-back should there be any injuries.

 

6. Will Ronaldinho return to his best?

Only he can answer this question. Currently this is the situation: Leonardo will make him sweat a lot during training in order to improve his fitness levels. Ronaldinho meanwhile will have to demonstrate that he still has the desire to be the best he can be in addition to understanding that in Italian football one needs to run, walking will not get you very far.