Sacchi reviews Milan’s defeat on the opening day: “I’m sure Allegri will right the ship”

Things did not start with a bang on Matchday 1 for AC Milan, and Arrigo Sacchi has spoken about what needs to change. 

There can be several gripes had with the first game of the season, Milan were poor and were made to pay for it. A newly promoted Cremonese performed a smash-and-grab, but it would be difficult to say it was undeserved.

Instead, it can only be said that the Rossoneri deserved to lose. They were inferior in key areas, and did not offer the performance which was required for everyone. In front of a demanding crowd, they underperformed, and the mistakes were not new.

Now, there are several things that need reviewing, and the mercato must be visited. Quality is needed, but so is time. After all, a large reset has occurred.

Sacchi’s review

Today, Sacchi spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about the opening game and what Milan must do going forward.

“We’re starting with a bang. And who would have imagined that Cremonese, newly promoted from Serie B, would go on to win at San Siro against Allegri’s new AC Milan? Few would have bet on it, yet it happened, proving that our league may not be the most beautiful, aesthetically speaking, but it’s certainly the most balanced and the most unpredictable.

“It would be easy to slam the Rossoneri, but that wouldn’t be fair. I think Allegri needs time to assemble the team and give them a game, and I believe that right now the club has a duty to help the coach and the players.

“Losing on your debut hurts, really hurts. The fans are certainly disappointed, but I think character is strengthened by hardship. Anyone who thought that a few signings would be enough for AC Milan to turn things around after last season’s disastrous season was clearly wrong.

“It’s not a question of players, of a midfielder or a full-back, of a forward or a midfielder: you must, first of all, have a score and then choose the players.

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“Cremonese was clearly inferior, physically and technically, yet they scored two goals and won the match. Why? If only the players, their qualities, their feet, mattered, then Milan should have won, and instead…

“This shows that in football, and especially in our Serie A, what makes the difference are character, team spirit, the willingness to sacrifice, and organisation. Cremonese had these qualities, Milan doesn’t yet. But let’s give them time, and I’m sure Allegri will right the ship.”