5 days ago
10
Transforming a team takes time, normally. Reducing the influence of previous coaches takes time, normally. Yet, for Massimiliano Allegri and AC Milan, that has not been the case.
Perhaps the lack of solidity last season helped Allegri change things at Milan quickly. Maybe it was his reputation among the squad. It will probably never be known why or how the transition was so smooth. However, it needn’t be.
Allegri’s tag
Gazzetta dello Sport write how Allegri’s team is already that, his. There have been no issues becoming recognisable as one of his outfits, and the transition period has been non-existent.
In just five months, they have already unlocked – and now understand – the philosophy of Allegri-ball. A counterattacking team, strong in transition and defensively solid, his team have an identity, and a recognisable one at that, something which had not been seen under the last two coaches.
The squad understands that the defensive side of the game comes first and that sacrifice is needed for the team. Allegri has already said this season that the main ingredient of a title-winning team is a strong defence, and his players display this.
Despite not really changing the backline, the unit looks stronger than it ever did last season. That is due to no one but the new coach.
Then, there are the scorelines. This weekend was the sixth win by a single goal, going back to the old motto of winning games, not entertaining. It plays into the idea of sacrifice and struggle, the fact that work is needed, and it must be done together. Only then do results arrive.
Considering that Milan have not won by two or more goals since September, perhaps that could be different had it not been for their own doing, but that is a clear sign of the Allegri impact – getting the job done.
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